Two Cumberland County Schools Officially Open

About 800 Grade Primary to 6 students, teachers and staff in Cumberland County will enjoy two new, safe and healthy schools. The schools officially opened today, Nov. 18.

Cumberland North Academy, in Brookdale, represents an $8-million education investment by the province, and will be home to about 350 students.

Spring Street Academy, in Amherst, is the result of an $8.1-million investment by the province, and will serve about 450 students.

"This government is investing more than $400 million over eight years to build new schools and to renovate existing schools," said Education Minister Jamie Muir. "We know this will mean a huge improvement to the province's education system."

In addition to the province's funding, the Municipality of the County of Cumberland, the Town of Amherst and a local business, Poly Cello, contributed a total of $595,000 for upgrades to the schools, including expansions of the originally-planned gymnasiums.

"The opening of these two schools marks the beginning of a new era for elementary students in Amherst and its surrounding communities," said Gary Clarke, supervisor, Chignecto family of schools. "We are so pleased to have modern classrooms that are designed to be truly conducive to teaching and learning. The benefits to students are tremendous. It's very exciting to watch the students and staff build new school communities where an increased student population, and modern facilities, offer some fantastic opportunities, both curricular and extra-curricular."

The schools were designed by the Fowler, Bauld and Mitchell architectural firm, with input from the school steering committee. Marko Construction was hired to build the schools.

By the end of November, the province will have officially opened four schools, serving 1,600 students, and worth more than $27 million. Port Maitland Consolidated, near Yarmouth, opened on Nov. 15 and Kingswood Elementary School in Halifax, will open on Nov. 23.