G.R. Saunders Construction Timeline and Budget Established

EDUCATION--G.R. Saunders Construction Timeline and Budget Established

Students at G.R. Saunders Elementary School in Stellarton will soon have a bigger and better facility. The Department of Education announced today, May 6, it has set a timeline and budget for the renovation process that will result in improvements to the school's gymnasium, library, cafeteria and music facilities.

At the request of the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board, the department evaluated the G.R. Saunders building in June 2004 and determined that the work would be a good long term investment. The renovations will enable G.R. Saunders to better accommodate Grade 6 students from Stellarton Middle School, which closed in 2004.

"We are happy to be working with the school board, G.R. Saunders staff and students, and the school community to put the construction plans into action," said Education Minister Jamie Muir.

The department will review the details of the plan with members of the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board, G.R. Saunders staff and the school steering team to identify priorities and budget parameters.

Renovation details will be finalized by June 30. The $250,000 design contract has been awarded to Harvey & MacKenzie Architects and the construction contract will be issued for tender in March 2006. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2006 and is expected to be completed by September 2007.

The budget for work in 2006-07 is $2 million. The remainder of the project budget for 2007-08 has not yet been determined.

In 2004, the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board closed Stellarton Middle School. Grades 7 and 8 students were re- assigned to Westville Middle School, and Grade 6 students began attending G.R. Saunders in September 2004.

The renovation budget originally slated for Stellarton Middle School was transferred to G.R. Saunders to upgrade the facility to accommodate the additional students.

Three new schools -- North Nova Education Centre, Northumberland Regional High School and Truro Junior High -- opened in the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board in the last two years.