BUILDING PROJECT APPROVED FOR BIGGAR SCHOOL DIVISION

Released on April 7, 1997

Education Minister Pat Atkinson today announced approval of a major
construction project with the Biggar School Division, improving the
high school facilities in the community.

"This approval means that the Biggar School Division and Saskatchewan
Education can co-operatively proceed with the construction project,"
Atkinson said. "A school is central to many activities in any
community and Biggar is no exception. We want to ensure that Biggar
has a safe and functional high school, as a learning facility for
students, a workplace for teachers and a meeting place and sports venue
for the community."

The minister said the project will include a detailed architectural
study to determine the most feasible construction solution, nature and
scope of the work required and the design specifics. The approval
gives the school division lead time to research and develop a plan
which may include partial replacement and renovation or complete
replacement of the school. The project will commence with planning and
design in 1997, with construction to follow in 1998.

"I want to encourage the boards of directors of the regional college,
the library and the health district to seriously consider working
together with the Biggar School Division Board during this plan
development stage to develop a first rate multi-use facility which
could take Biggar and the surrounding community well into the next
century," Atkinson said.

The Department and school divisions will cost share the project. The
total costs will be known when detailed plans are finalized following
the 1997 phase of the project.

"This is very exciting news for the school division and we are very
pleased this project has been given the approval to proceed," said Mary
Ann Assailly, Chair, Biggar School Division. "The benefits of the
construction project to children and citizens of Biggar will be
realized for many years to come. I applaud community members, parents
and students for their patience and persistence as we worked to move
this project forward."

A preliminary facility report completed in February 1996 outlined
deficiencies in the heating and ventilation systems, fire protection
systems and program space. The original section of the school built in
1957 has reached its life expectancy and upgrading costs would exceed
replacement costs. Additions completed in 1968 and 1972 are in better
condition but would require major upgrading to meet current standards.
Further investigation will provide the Biggar School Division with the
most effective construction option.

"I want to congratulate everyone involved in this project for working
co-operatively to the benefit of the students in Biggar," Atkinson
said. "I'm sure the school division will continue to be sensitive to
the needs of students and the community as they work through the
project."

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For more information, contact:

Cal Kirby Mary Ann Assailly
Saskatchewan Education Chairperson, Board of Education
Regina Biggar School Division
Phone: (306) 787-6040 Biggar
Phone: (306) 948-3348