Students, parents and teachers will soon see work begin on both schools on Bell Island, with more than half a million dollars worth of work planned. The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education, announced the upgrades which are part of the $113.5 million K-12 infrastructure enhancements taking place across the province this year.

"With the upgrades we have planned, these schools will continue to serve the people of Bell Island well into the future," said Minister King. "These and all the projects we are undertaking across the province make our schools safe, modern places to learn for children and youth."

St. Augustine's School, a K-6 school, is getting new windows and exterior repairs, while roofing work is planned for St. Michael's Regional High.

"Funding will modernize the exteriors of St. Augustine's and St. Michael's, and represent our government's continued commitment to make investments which secure infrastructure and strengthen services," said the Honourable Dianne Whalen, MHA for Conception Bay East-Bell Island. "Students represent our future, and I am pleased that residents will benefit from the upgrades to both schools."

The $113.5 million allocated for major school construction, repairs and renovations in 2010-11 is more than seven times the allocation for 2004-05. New projects being funded through this investment include new schools, electrical system upgrades, enhanced accessibility, improved grounds, and renovated skilled trades suites.

"Over the past six years, approximately 1,400 infrastructure projects have been undertaken in our province's schools," said Minister King. "Step by step and project by project, we are bringing older schools up to current standards. We have eliminated carpets and chalkboards, old wiring and outdated fire alarms, mould-susceptible walls, old oil tanks, and crumbling stairs. The list goes on and on. We are building schools that truly reflect the needs of the modern learner with 21^st century learning tools and a curriculum that is accessible to the wide range of students who attend them."

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