With an investment of approximately $890,000 in 2010-11, three schools in the Grand Bank region are receiving priority repairs and upgrades. The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education, made the announcement today.

"These enhancements will go a long way towards improving the integrity of the schools and I am pleased that we are able to move them forward this year," said Minister King. "These are among the 150 infrastructure and maintenance projects happening this year in schools throughout Newfoundland and Labrador — all made possible by our $113.5 million investment in K-12 infrastructure in Budget 2010."

John Burke High School in Grand Bank will see a plumbing retrofit and a new roof, in addition to the partial window replacements which were recently completed. Window replacements have been completed at Lake Academy in Fortune, and St. Lawrence Academy in St. Lawrence has also recently had its siding and some windows replaced.

"Our government has made unprecedented investments in K-12 infrastructure to ensure quality, safe learning environments for students across our province," said Minister King. "Since 2004, approximately $389 million has been allocated for K-12 repairs and maintenance, and new school construction."

Currently, there are 13 new schools under construction or in planning phases; nine school extension and renovation projects are in progress; and approximately 150 maintenance projects underway or in the process of commencing.

These renovations are just some of the overall enhancements being carried out through the Provincial Government's unprecedented infrastructure strategy which is now valued at more than $5 billion over the next several years. The strategy also includes investments in municipalities, healthcare, transportation, justice, social housing, transportation, and environment and conservation.

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Media contact:
Nora Daly
Communications Consultant
Department of Education
709-729-1906, 728-2819
noradaly@gov.nl.ca