July 7, 2014
Building Strong Learning Communities
Close to $8.5 Million Allocated for Mount Pearl Schools
A tender valued at over $1.7 million has been awarded to Redwood Construction Ltd. of Mount Pearl for the replacement of windows and other exterior upgrades at Mount Pearl Senior High (the current Mount Pearl Intermediate). This is part of almost $8.5 million earmarked for short and long-term infrastructure needs in Mount Pearl, including an extension to St. Peter’s Junior High, a modular classroom for Newtown Elementary, funding to plan for long-term capacity needs at St. Peter’s Elementary, electrical upgrades to Morris Academy, and a number of projects directly related to the recent reorganization of schools in the city.
“The Provincial Government is committed to working with the Newfoundland and Labrador English School Board and the various school communities to ensure Mount Pearl area students are appropriately accommodated in schools which meet their learning needs, now and long into the future. We have listened to the concerns of parents, teachers and others, and have made funding available to assist with a smooth transition in September and to expedite planning for longer-term needs.”
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education
Minister King noted that some of the projects were identified through the Budget 2014 process, while others have since been approved as the result of consultation with the Mount Pearl school communities, and finalization of the Department of Education’s 2014-15 repairs and maintenance program. These projects include, but are not limited to, upgrades to the parking lots at St. Peter’s Elementary and Mount Pearl Senior High (current Mount Pearl Intermediate); the reconfiguration of space for a fitness room and updates to the staffroom at Mount Pearl Intermediate (current Mount Pearl Senior High); additional lockers for Newtown Elementary; and painting projects at various schools.
"These commitments to our schools in Mount Pearl will address many of the concerns raised by school councils, parents and staff in recent months. The improvements to each building will help ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved. Our government will continue to invest in school infrastructure in Paradise and Mount Pearl."
- Steve Kent, MHA for Mount Pearl North
Since 2004, over $15.5 million has been approved for school infrastructure in Mount Pearl, and planning is underway to address further long-term needs.
“Building and maintaining appropriate space for learning within our communities is very important to parents, children and all residents. This is a significant investment that will build upon our current resources, so that our schoolchildren can continue to grow, achieve and develop essential skills that will last throughout their lifetimes.”
- Paul Davis, MHA for Topsail
Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook, provides over $128 million for new and ongoing K-12 infrastructure projects, including $19.2 million for priority repairs and maintenance. The complete 2014-15 repairs and maintenance program can be viewed at: //www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/k12/repairs/index.html.
Since 2004, more than $681 million has been allocated for school infrastructure including almost $236 million for over 1,900 repairs and maintenance projects. Thirteen new schools have opened, nine more are in various stages of planning or construction, 27 major extensions and renovation projects have been completed, and 10 more are underway. This level of funding and activity is unprecedented in the province’s history.
QUICK FACTS
- Almost $8.5 million has been earmarked for short and long-term infrastructure needs in Mount Pearl schools – including a recently awarded tender, valued at $1.7 million, for window replacement and other exterior upgrades at Mount Pearl Senior High (the current Mount Pearl Intermediate).
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education, said some of these projects were identified through the Budget 2014 process, while others have since been approved as the result of consultation with the school community.
- Projects include planning for an extension to St. Peter’s Junior High, the installation of a modular classroom for Newtown Elementary, planning for long-term needs at St. Peter’s Elementary, and a host of smaller projects to be funded through the Department of Education’s 2014-15 repairs and maintenance program.
- Since 2004, over $15.5 million has been approved for school infrastructure in Mount Pearl.
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Media contacts:| Heather May Director of Communications Department of Education 709-729-0048, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca |
Angela Connolly Constituency Assistant to Steve Kent, MHA for Mount Pearl North 709-729-1526 angelaconnolly@gov.nl.ca |
| Wavey Stockley Constituency Assistant to Paul Davis, MHA for Topsail 709-729-6670 waveystockley@gov.nl.ca |
2014 07 07 11:35 a.m.