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Minister reaffirms commitment to Northshore school community Education Minister John Ottenheimer today met with Eddie Joyce, MHA for the District of Bay of Islands and Gerry Reid, Education Critic, to discuss their concerns surrounding the gymnasium at Northshore Elementary, which is being extended and renovated to make it a K-12 facility. "I assured Mr. Joyce and Mr. Reid that this facility will be designed to ensure all students reap the maximum benefits of their educational experience. I also confirmed our commitment to move forward with this project without further delay," said Minister Ottenheimer. The minister noted that planning for this project has been ongoing for a number of years and the contract for construction was awarded last December. "We want to see the school open as soon as possible and the gymnasium available for use by the fall of this year. The students and parents in the Northshore area have been waiting a long time to see this project come to fruition. Should government entertain the notion of raising the height of the gym, as suggested by the school council and some concerned parents, we would face numerous unforeseen - and costly - delays. "Preliminary figures indicate that to raise the roof of the gymnasium by a mere three feet would be cost prohibitive. As Minister of Education, I must ensure that all educational dollars are spent in the wisest and most productive manner possible. Our investments must be made where they will make the most sense, and within our fiscal means to do so." Government has allocated in excess of $3.5 million for this project which will see the K-6 school become a K-12 facility with a total enrolment of 600 students. Plans include enlarging the gymnasium, a new library/resource centre, a new lunchroom and other instructional spaces. The school will also include a challenging needs suite and a technology education suite. The school will be wheelchair accessible and have a paved parking lot. Media contact: Nora Daly, Communications, (709) 729-1906 2004 07 05 3:00 p.m. |
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