Today's official opening of the new Revelstoke Secondary school was a celebration for the whole community, as the new school also hosts a Neighbourhood Learning Centre offering programs and services for people of all ages and interests.

Revelstoke Secondary was built for $39.9 million and created 255 jobs for the area. This new grades 8-12 school has a capacity of 500 students.

Revelstoke Secondary was one of the first new school projects in B.C. to receive a Neighbourhood Learning Centre (NLC). Under the NLC model, schools and community organizations are brought together so people can access educational and community services under one roof.

The new school's NLC features a 275-seat performing arts centre and co-ordinated adolescent health services that include:

• Quality meeting spaces for youth.
• Mental health services.
• Community counselling services.
• Substance prevention programs.

The new school was built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards, which will result in operational savings of more than 40 per cent. An agreement with Revelstoke Community Energy provides heat and water to the school from renewable energy sources.

Minister of Education George Abbott joined community members to officially open the new school in a ceremony which featured musical selections from the school band.

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the Province has committed $55.3 million for capital projects in the Revelstoke school district. That includes this new school and the planned consolidation and replacement of two elementary schools.
• Since 2001, government has spent more than $1.8 billion to complete 83 new and replacement schools, 149 additions, 26 renovations and 22 site acquisitions across British Columbia.
• During that same time, the Province has committed more than $4 billion to school capital and maintenance projects. All new and replacement schools have been constructed to meet the latest seismic standards.

Learn More:

Revelstoke Secondary School: http://142.23.41.19/
BC's Education Plan: www.bcedplan.ca
Neighbourhood Learning Centres: http://www.neighbourhoodlearningcentres.gov.bc.ca
Photos: see photos (flickr.com)

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963