Modular Classrooms to Address Capacity Issues

New modular classrooms will soon be installed at St. Edward’s Elementary in Conception Bay South, and at Goulds Elementary, with the recent awarding of a tender valued at close to $340,000 to CAN-AM Platforms and Construction Ltd. of Shearstown.

“This tender will enable two modular classrooms at St. Edward’s Elementary and one at Goulds Elementary, to be linked to their respective schools,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education. “The installation of these temporary classrooms, purchased under a previous tender, is designed to ensure students are appropriately accommodated as enrolment levels increase.”

Installation of the modular classrooms at both schools is expected to be completed within a few weeks.

“With this latest project, more than $2.1 million has been spent on an extension and other upgrades at St. Edward’s Elementary in recent years,” said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation and MHA for Conception Bay South. “Young families continue to move into the Conception Bay South area, and while a new school is currently in the design stage, these temporary classrooms will address the rapid surge in enrolment.”

Meanwhile, the modular classroom at Goulds Elementary will alleviate space issues at that school, which has seen more than $586,000 allocated for roofing and other infrastructure upgrades since 2004.

“With an emphasis on quality education in quality environments, our government is addressing the need for additional space at Goulds Elementary,” said John Dinn, MHA for Kilbride. “Providing the additional classroom will allow the school administration more flexibility in organizing instruction for the more than 630 students at the school.”

Budget 2012 includes $115 million for new and ongoing K-12 infrastructure, including $29 million for priority repairs and maintenance. Since 2004, about $567 million has been allocated for school infrastructure throughout the province. Nine new schools have opened; 10 more are in various stages of planning or construction; 12 major extension and renovation projects have been completed, and seven more are underway or in the planning stages.

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2012 12 06                               11:15 a.m.