UPGRADING THREE MOOSE JAW SCHOOLS

Released on May 5, 2006

Moose Jaw students and communities will benefit from major upgrades to John Chisholm Alternate School, École Ross School and Prince Arthur Community School. The Government of Saskatchewan is investing approximately $1.3 million for mould abatement and the prevention of further water infiltration at all three schools and restoration and renovations at Prince Arthur Community School.

"Health and safety for students and teachers is a priority that places a facility at the top of the list of our capital projects." Learning Minister Deb Higgins said. "It is imperative that we address this situation and make improvements to prevent a reoccurrence."

The Prairie South School Division will receive approximately $230,000 for consultant assessments, air quality testing, removal of contaminated materials and the prevention of further water infiltration at John Chrisholm Alternate School, approximately $133,000 for École Ross School and $318,000 for Prince Arthur Community School. An additional $630,000 will be provided for restorations and renovations at Prince Arthur Community School over two years.

Funding for these projects will be cost-shared with the school division. Their contribution will be approximately $609,000.

"This is very exciting news and we are grateful for the financial support that Saskatchewan Learning has committed for the project," Prince Arthur Community School principal Sunil Pandila said. "This means a lot to the students, staff and community who have been very accommodating over this past school year."

"A number of students have been bussed to other schools within the city while other classes were housed in the gymnasium. We look forward to a fully renovated and operational facility at the completion of this project."

Maintenance personnel in the Moose Jaw School Division discovered mould growth at three schools in August 2005. Public Health in Moose Jaw and Provincial Occupational Health and Safety were informed and inspected the three schools. Based on their findings the school board made the decision to temporarily close Prince Arthur School.

The total commitment by the government to K-12 capital projects this fiscal year is $22 million. Additional capital projects will be announced throughout the 2006-07 fiscal year.

"Investing in our schools will go a long way toward helping students reach their potential," Higgins said. "We will continue to work with school divisions to provide safe, well-equipped learning environments."

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For More Information, Contact:

Nelson Wagner Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-6040