With almost $1 million from the Provincial Government, upgrades will be made to three schools in Nippers Harbour, La Scie and Springdale.

"Making sure schools throughout the province are structurally and electrically sound is an important piece of our infrastructure allocations, regardless of school size," said the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education. "For example, one of the schools to receive an upgrade — Bayview Primary — has an enrolment of only five students. This clearly demonstrates our commitment to providing clean, safe learning environments for all students."

Work will soon begin on a new roof and siding, as well as a new entrance and partial window replacement for Bayview Primary, Nippers Harbour. In addition, tenders were recently awarded for electrical upgrades for Hillside Elementary in La Scie, and for partial windows, siding and roof replacements for Springdale's Indian River Academy.

"The improvements that are underway at the schools are greatly appreciated", said Kevin Pollard, MHA for the District of Baie Verte-Springdale. "Our government's commitment to students in this province is commendable, providing them with safe and comfortable places to learn and grow."

Minister King noted that since 2004, $44.2 million has been allocated for 221 roofing projects; $18.3 million for 102 electrical upgrades; and, $36.8 million for 232 other building envelop projects, an outstanding number given that there are 279 schools in the province.

"Since 2004, our educational investments have been astronomical — the greatest expenditure our province has seen in education in 50 years," said Minister King. "That's something for all of us to celebrate. Improvements in education translate into improvements in our province overall. With a more educated population we have more prosperous communities, and a bright and successful future for Newfoundland and Labrador."

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