The Ministry of Education has approved $600,000 to help the Flatrock community near Fort St. John enlarge and upgrade the Clearview Elementary/Jr. Secondary gymnasium.

Total funding required for the project is estimated at $3.6 million, with the remaining costs to be shared between the B.C. government's FairShare economic development program, the Peace River North school district (SD 60) and the Peace River regional district.

Clearview Elementary/Jr. Secondary originally opened in September 1969 as an elementary school with a gymnasium designed to fit the needs of younger students. The proposed gym expansion would better suit the current kindergarten-to-Grade 10 student age range, and would include additional space to support Neighbourhood Learning Centre services that could be accessed by members of the broader community.

The school district will consult with local partners in the coming months to determine the specific educational and community services that will be offered as part of the Neighbourhood Learning Centre.

Ministry of Education funding for this project is in addition to the $353-million capital investment in public schools announced by Premier Christy Clark in October 2011.

Quotes:

Peace River North MLA Pat Pimm -

"Our government is committed to providing B.C.'s rural Northeast communities with support to help them succeed and grow. An improved Clearview gym would serve as a valuable asset to the Flatrock, Goodlow and Cecil Lake communities, their students and families for years to come."

Education Minister Don McRae -

"This important joint venture will give all students at the school access to a standard space for sports and phys-ed, as well as creating a new Neighbourhood Learning Centre space for community and educational programming."

Quick Facts:

• Clearview Elementary/Jr. Secondary is a kindergarten-to-Grade 10 school with a student population of 144 students. The school is located 50 kilometres northeast of Fort St. John.

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $13.5 million in capital projects in the Peace River North school district for additions to North Peace Secondary, Duncan Cran Elementary, and Prespatou Elementary-Secondary schools. The government also invested more than $6.4 million for additional space for full-day kindergarten.

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has spent more than $2.1 billion to complete 93 new and replacement schools, 150 additions, 27 renovations and 22 site acquisitions, and has committed more than $4 billion on school capital and maintenance projects throughout British Columbia.

Learn More:

BC's Education Plan: http://www.bcedplan.ca/

Contact:

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