Students at Clayton Heights Secondary school gathered at their library today to hear the good news many Surrey families have been waiting for - a new school in the Clayton North area of the community.

Education Minister Don McRae and Surrey-area MLAs highlighted government's commitment to create more space for students in Surrey. At the announcement, they were joined by the Surrey Board of Education, students and staff.

The site for the new school was purchased in early February for about $16.7 million. The government contributed $10.5 million and the Surrey school district $6.2 million. The district has requested $34 million to construct the school. The ministry and district will work together to determine the scope of this project, including the total budget, as well as possible programs and services.

The Surrey school district is one of the few districts in the province where student enrolment is expected to grow in the future. The new Clayton North facility, once constructed, will accommodate students in grades 8-12 and reduce the capacity pressure at Clayton Heights Secondary and Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary. Construction of the new school may start as early as next year, with possible completion in September 2016.

In addition to the site and new secondary school in Clayton North, the government and the district have also invested $35.9 million to acquire three additional sites for future schools in Surrey. The sites will be used in the future to build an elementary school in Clayton North, and an elementary as well as a secondary school in Grandview Heights.

Quotes:

Don McRae, Minister of Education -

"Two years ago, the B.C. government committed to acquiring four sites for future schools in Surrey to provide more room for students in the Clayton North and Grandview Heights areas. Today is a day to celebrate the fact that we've met that goal and are now proceeding with our plan to build a new secondary school for Clayton North families."

"The new school and site acquisitions are a starting point for our ministry and the school board, as we continue to look for ways to meet the district's capacity growth."

Kevin Falcon, MLA Surrey-Cloverdale -

"Since becoming an MLA in 2001, I have worked hard to bring new investment in schools to meet the demands of Surrey's rapidly growing population. This new high school will dramatically improve the situation for our students in the Clayton North area."

Shawn Wilson, Surrey Board of Education chair -

"With student enrolment pressures at Clayton Heights Secondary and Lord Tweedsmuir growing each year, the new secondary school in Clayton North is great news. And, site acquisitions for three more schools is also an important and most welcome step in addressing significant, ongoing growth in our district."

"I sincerely thank the minister for the funding and support of our district. I also recognize district staff for great work in quickly and efficiently assembling the suitable school sites, and I acknowledge and thank our school communities for their patience and understanding while awaiting relief from enrolment pressures."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the Province has invested more than $276 million for 49 capital and seismic projects and 12 site acquisitions in the Surrey school district. This project list includes 10 new schools, including Adams Road Elementary. In addition, the Province invested more than $25.8 million for additional space for Full Day Kindergarten.

• Since 2001, government has spent more than $2.4 billion to complete capital projects, including 96 new and replacement schools, 151 additions, 27 renovations and 25 site acquisitions throughout BC. All new and replacement schools have been constructed to meet the latest seismic standards.

• During this time, the Province has committed more than $4 billion to school capital and maintenance projects throughout BC.

Learn More:

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

Media Contact:

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