Education November 21, 2007 Williams Government Responds to Needs in Paradise School System The school system in the town of Paradise is in for a major boost. The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, announced today significant investments to build a new K-6 school, as well as renovate and extend Holy Family Elementary. This is in addition to a new school to replace Paradise Elementary which was announced in August. The overall investment in the three projects is approximately $28 million. "We have never before undertaken school construction plans of such magnitude for a single community," said Minister Burke. "These additional schools are necessary to support this growing area of our province and the many young families who now call Paradise home. The new school facilities will keep this momentum of growth going." In August 2007, the Provincial Government announced a new school to replace Paradise Elementary at an approximate cost of $12 million. More than $14 million will be invested for the second new school and more than $2 million for changes to Holy Family School. Milton Peach is chair of the Eastern School Board. "We appreciate this government's recognition that the Paradise school system requires a tremendous investment in new school construction," said Mr. Peach. "On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I thank government for supporting our efforts to ensure facilities are in place to address the educational needs of this growing community." The new elementary schools will each have a gymnasium, a challenging needs suite, modern learning resource centre and a ventilation system. Holy Family will be extended to include a new lunchroom with a kitchen and additional classrooms. The residents of Paradise are represented by three Members of the House of Assembly who each responded to today�s announcement. "These significant investments we are making in the Paradise school system will provide our children with a learning environment that is second to none," said the Honourable Dianne Whalen, MHA for Conception Bay East and Bell Island. "Paradise is one of the fastest growing communities in Eastern Canada and I am pleased our government is making necessary investments, like those announced today, to ensure its continued growth and success." "I am absolutely delighted with this announcement," said Beth Marshall, MHA for Topsail. "These projects have been a very high priority for me and this is a banner day for the residents of Paradise. I am pleased that Holy Family School will have the amenities to provide an environment that will be better for the students to learn and for the staff to work. I would like to thank the school councils and the parents for their support and patience all along the way." "Today's announcement is excellent news for the families in Elizabeth Park, many of whom reside in the new District of Mount Pearl North," said Mount Pearl North MHA Steve Kent. "Over the past few months, I have spoken with many Paradise residents on the issues related to our schools, and I am extremely pleased that our government continues to listen and respond to the concerns of families in my district." Minister Burke noted that the investments in Paradise are just a portion of the massive school construction program underway in towns and communities throughout the province. This announcement brings the number of new schools either constructed or announced since 2004 to 11. Since that time, $111 million has been allocated for school construction, major repairs and maintenance. "Our government is pleased that the Town of Paradise is bucking the trend of declining enrolment and the Williams Government is investing unprecedented dollars to ensure there are sufficient school facilities in place to serve the elementary students and parents in the area. In addition, school boards are able to make full use of the 67 per cent increase in operating grants for maintenance we announced in Budget 2007, to ensure these schools will serve the Paradise community well into the future," said Minister Burke. -30- Media contact: BACKGROUNDER The following is an overview of school capital construction projects since 2004: Completed projects: Projects Under Construction: Projects in the Planning Stage: 2007 11 21 10:05 a.m.
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