A tender will be called this week for significant renovations and an extension to Amalgamated Academy in Bay Roberts. The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, announced the project in Bay Roberts today.

"This school has to be expanded to accommodate the students from Coley�s Point Primary that began attending the school last year," said Minister Burke. "Additional space and renovations will ensure a safe and comfortable learning environment for students. Bay Roberts is a fast-growing community and this project will allow the school to grow as well."

The scope of the project includes three new classrooms, a new lunchroom, kitchen and fitness centre, and gym storage space.

"As part of our $3.2 million physical education purchase program for K-12 schools across the province, almost $24,000 in phys ed equipment has been provided to Amalgamated Academy," said Minister Burke. "It will be good for the students and teachers to have a space in the school dedicated specifically for its use."

"This announcement is great news for the students and teachers who attend Amalgamated, many of whom reside in my district," said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, MHA for the District of Harbour Main. "The extension and renovations will provide the infrastructure required to enhance their educational experience, something which will influence the rest of their lives. Our children deserve to have an educational environment which is first class. The extension and renovations at Amalgamated will ensure this."

Budget 2008 includes an $88 million commitment for new school construction and maintenance, an increase of $39.5 million over the previous year.

"We are very pleased that the Provincial Government is following through on the board�s capital request for an extension to Amalgamated Academy," said Darrin Pike, CEO/Director of Education, Eastern School District. "This extension is badly needed to accommodate growth in the Bay Roberts area and I�m sure students and teachers will appreciate the enhanced facility once it's completed."

Just since April 2008, 27 projects, valued at $11 million, have been initiated and are now at various stages of the tendering process, with $6 million worth of projects having been awarded. This work includes roof replacements, extensions and renovations, electrical upgrades, windows and siding replacement, and site development.

"The funding we are providing to improve our school infrastructure is an extremely important aspect of our education budget," said Minister Burke. "In addition, we are making equally important investments to enhance teaching resources, programming and student support services. As a government, we are committed to ensuring that schools create a positive learning environment. Safe schools, relevant curriculum and state-of-the-art learning resources are the foundation of a quality education system � one that will carry our students and ultimately our province to success."

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Media contact:
Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca

2008 06 04                                                       9:35 a.m.