More Improvements Planned for St. Michael’s Elementary

Improvements continue to be made to St. Michael’s Elementary in Stephenville Crossing with the announcement of exterior doors and canopy replacement for the school, one of a series of upgrades in recent years. The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, said today that the tender has been awarded to Tech Construction Limited to begin the work.

“Young students might not understand the importance of new roofs and windows, but our government is fully aware that with improved infrastructure come improved learning opportunities,” said Minister Burke. “It is critical that all our schools are safe and secure so our students and teachers can focus on receiving and delivering the best education possible.”

All exterior entrances to the school will receive upgrades at a cost of approximately $141,000. This is in addition to new roofing, window replacements and other improvements which were previously completed, for a total investment of more than $900,000 for infrastructure at St. Michael’s in recent years.

This project is one of hundreds of school infrastructure upgrades and repairs taking place throughout Newfoundland and Labrador as part of the Provincial Government’s 2010-11 allocation of $113.5 million for new school construction, extensions, and building envelope repairs such as roofing projects, window and siding replacements, electrical system upgrades, enhanced accessibility, and renovated skilled trades suites.

“Since 2004, approximately 1,400 school infrastructure projects have been approved province-wide,” said Minister Burke. “This is a clear indication of the value we place on the education of our students and the system overall. With each infrastructure project, we are building the future of Newfoundland and Labrador, ensuring our students have what they need to succeed now and well into the future.”

- 30 -

Media contact:

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

2010 02 04                                                                           11:00 a.m.