A $10.1-million project agreement just signed by the Ministry of Education and the Delta board of education will result in a seismic upgrade for South Delta Secondary school (SDSS).

This project is part of the Province's continuing commitment to student safety through the Seismic Mitigation Program. During construction, the district is taking the opportunity to improve the school's science wing with work beginning this summer and an anticipated completion date of fall 2014.

South Delta was built in 1973 and enrolment as of September 2012 was 1,346 grades 8-12 students. SDSS is the only public secondary school in the community of Tsawwassen. It is one of two secondary schools in the district that offer French Immersion.

The school also features a Hockey Academy, Soccer Academy, Film Acting Academy, Film Production Academy and Culinary Arts program.

Quotes:

Don McRae, Minister of Education -

"We are committed to the safety of students throughout the province, and this upgrade to South Delta Secondary is part of the most comprehensive school seismic upgrading program ever undertaken."

Laura Dixon, Delta school district board chair -

"This major renewal for South Delta Secondary is possible due to the co-operation and hard work of government and the district, and I want to thank all of those who have helped make this project a reality."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the Province has invested more than $47.5 million in the Delta school district, including additions to six secondary schools and seismic upgrades to four elementary and two secondary schools.

• As well, the Province has invested $734,000 for additional space for Full Day Kindergarten in the district.

• Since 2001, government has spent more than $840 million on seismic upgrading of schools in 37 districts in B.C.

Learn More:

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

South Delta Secondary: http://sd.deltasd.bc.ca/

Media Contact:

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