G.R. Saunders Elementary To Get Upgrade

The Department of Education will renovate Stellarton's G.R. Saunders Elementary School to accommodate Grade 6 students from Stellarton Middle School, which will close this year.

At the request of the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board, the department evaluated the G.R. Saunders building and determined that the work would be a good long-term investment.

There will be additions and enhancements to many areas of the school including the gymnasium, library, cafeteria, and music facilities.

The renovation budget originally intended for Stellarton Middle School is being transferred to this project as required.

"The board, working with the community, made a difficult decision to close the middle school," Premier John Hamm said during a visit to the school today, June 18. "As a provincial government, we are making a major investment to provide the best elementary education to the young people of Stellarton."

A consultant will be hired later this summer to work with the board, the school steering team and the department to develop a master plan for the school.

Construction will begin in 2005-06 and finish in 2007-08. The school will continue to operate throughout.

"The board remains fully confident that the Department of Education will carry out all necessary renovations and/or additions required to bring G.R. Saunders School up to the standards of a top-grade elementary school," said Robert Parker, chair of the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board. "The students, parents and citizens of Stellarton will be justifiably proud of their top-notch elementary facility."

In April, the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board decided to close Stellarton Middle School. Beginning September 2004, the grades 7 and 8 students will be re-assigned to Westville Middle School, and Grade 6 students will go to G.R. Saunders.

The board asked the department if the authority to renovate Stellarton Middle, granted last summer, could be transferred to G.R. Saunders.

The cost of the project is still being determined.

Two new schools, North Nova Education Centre and Northumberland Regional High School, opened in Chignecto-Central last fall. Truro Junior High will open next September.