Our government is investing more than $44 million for two new elementary schools and two secondary school additions in Surrey, creating 1,660 additional student spaces for B.C.'s fastest-growing school district.

The Province and the Surrey school district (SD 36) signed project agreements to build new elementary schools in the Clayton and the South Newton areas, and classroom additions for Fraser Heights Secondary and École Panorama Ridge Secondary. Each of the four projects also includes new space to house Neighbourhood Learning Centres.

The new elementary school in the Clayton area is expected to cost $14 million and will have the capacity to accommodate 605 students in kindergarten to Grade 7. The new elementary school in South Newton is expected to cost $14.7 million will have space for 555 K-7 students. The addition for Fraser Heights Secondary will create space for 200 more students and is expected to cost $7 million, while the addition for Panorama Ridge Secondary will accommodate 300 more students at an expected cost of $8.4 million.

Over the coming months, the school district will work with community partners to determine the types of educational and community services to be offered through the new Neighbourhood Learning Centres.

Construction will begin in the summer of 2012 and will be completed for the start of the September 2013 school year. The projects are part of the $353-million capital plan announced by Premier Christy Clark in October 2011.

Quotes:

Education Minister George Abbott -

"These new schools and additions will create much-needed space for Surrey's growing student population. While enrolment is down in most districts, Surrey bucks the trend and these projects support the growing number of young families attracted to Surrey's vibrant neighbourhoods."

Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Kevin Falcon -

"These projects are important investments in Surrey students and in the vitality of our communities. The new schools and additions will go a long way towards meeting the needs of families in the fast expanding neighbourhoods of Surrey."

Surrey-Panorama MLA Stephanie Cadieux -

"The new schools and additions are an essential and direct support to the students and families of Surrey, but they also offer broader benefits by creating jobs and supporting growth in our Province. It is expected that work on these four schools will support more than 313 jobs for British Columbians."

Surrey-Tynehead MLA Dave S. Hayer -

"We want to ensure the best possible learning environment to meet Surrey's growth, creating state-of-the-art spaces for current and future generations of students in Surrey, particularly the $7-million investment at Fraser Heights Secondary where much-needed seats for 200 more students will be constructed. I have worked for long time with Surrey's board of education and Fraser Heights PAC to secure funding for this expansion."

Surrey board of education chair Laurae McNally -

"We are thrilled to be taking this big step forward in addressing the considerable enrolment needs of our school district. I know students, parents, staff and the community will be happy to see these projects underway."

Quick Facts:

• Surrey's K-12 population has increased by nearly 12,000 students since 2000-01. The district expects enrolment growth to continue at a rate of about 1,000 students per year.
• Since 2001, the Province has invested more than $243 million for 49 capital and seismic projects and eight site acquisitions in the Surrey school district.
• Our government is also investing more than $25.8 million for additional full-day kindergarten space, including nearly $6 million for eight classroom additions and a seismic upgrade at T.E. Scott Elementary.
• Since 2001, the Province has spent more than $2.1 billion to complete 93 new and replacement schools, 150 additions, 27 renovations and 22 site acquisitions throughout British Columbia.
• In the same time, our government 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:

View BC's Education Plan and find out how you can get involved at: www.bcedplan.ca

Media Contact:

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