In light of some concerns regarding the status of recommended work at Virginia Park Elementary School, the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, commented on identified issues at the school and actions that have been taken to address those issues.

 "First of all, I want to assure parents that safety of students is always my number one priority and I would not have students attend any school that was not safe," said Minister Burke.  "Last November we received the consultant�s report, which outlines short-term and long-term improvements necessary at the school.  Issues that required immediate attention have been addressed over the past several months."

The minister provided details on work completed including:

• Ceiling cavity was cleared of debris;
• Thorough cleaning of the complete building;
• Air handling unit filters changed throughout the building;
• Electrical items have been corrected;
• Wiring connections inspected;
• Repaired a number of exterior column bases as per the consultants� report;
• Repaired rot in floor panels, joists and inspected floor support bases;
• Replaced style sheet flooring in washrooms;
• Replaced gymnasium flooring;
• Replaced two exterior exit stairs and ramps; and,
• Replaced some interior doors.

In addition, an air quality test was conducted and it was determined there were no health risks to occupants.

Every year, each school district in the province provides a list of priorities to the Department of Education.  There are requests for funding from across the province and what may be a priority for one area, has to be weighed with many competing priorities.

The Williams Government has recognized the need for improvements to school infrastructure after many years of neglect under the previous administration.

Since 2004, $111 million has been spent on the different projects. This year alone, $49 million has been allocated for capital construction work.  In addition, the operating grants for maintenance for boards has increased 67 per cent, from 55 cents to 92 cents per square foot, meaning more money is available to keep school clean and well-maintained.

 "Cleary, a significant amount of work has been done to improve Virginia Park, ensuring it is a safe learning environment for students. All immediate issues identified by the consultant have been addressed and we will continue to work to balance this priority with many others in the province," said Minister Burke. "It is unproductive and misleading for individuals to claim we have done nothing with regard to addressing the issues in this school when we clearly have. It is my hope that proper and accurate information will help inform parents and alleviate unnecessary concerns."

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2007 09 10                                                     5:15 p.m.