Education Minister Don McRae and Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster joined students, staff, parents, school district officials and local dignitaries for the official grand opening of the new $38-million Vernon Secondary school today.

Vernon Secondary has a capacity of 950 students and is the largest school in the Vernon school district. It features 19 classrooms and includes six science labs, a three-bay automotive shop, woodworking area, computer labs, two arts studios, a teaching kitchen, 165-seat theatre, music room, library and large gym that serves as the home court for the school's Vernon Panthers athletic teams.

Vernon Secondary is built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification standards. The highly energy-efficient building uses a geothermal heating and cooling system. Every classroom has large windows to capture daylight and wall-to-ceiling curtain windows are featured in the library and commons areas. The new school is located on the same site as the original school, which was built in 1967.

In addition to academic, arts, music and drama programs, Vernon Secondary also offers students opportunities to earn dual graduation credits and begin early apprenticeship training through the ACE-IT and Secondary School Apprenticeship training programs.

Students and staff at Vernon Secondary were inspired by their new building's low-impact environmental design. They have created the VSS Go Green Project and are raising funds for a school-wide composting system, a greenhouse, a community garden and an outdoor classroom.

Quotes:

Don McRae, Minister of Education -

"The new Vernon Secondary is an outstanding, state-of-the-art facility that will provide significant benefits for students, staff and the larger community. From trades training opportunities, to academic, arts and athletic programs, Vernon Secondary is helping to prepare students for successful careers in a broad range of fields."

Eric Foster, MLA for Vernon-Monashee -

"The new Vernon Secondary is a tremendous new learning environment. From the bright, well-designed layout of its classrooms, studios, library, trades training areas and other features, this is a school that everyone in the community can be very proud of."

Bill Turanski, chair, Vernon board of education -

"This functional, energy efficient and remarkably bright and attractive building is the result of the combined efforts of many individuals and organizations."

"Our thanks to the Ministry of Education for funding the project and to the architects and the contractor for conceiving and building this magnificent structure that will serve our students and community well for many decades to come."

Quick Facts:

• Currently, 8,500 kindergarten-to-Grade 12 students are enrolled in the Vernon school district in the 2012-13 school year.

• Since 2001, the Province has invested more than $54.5 million in capital projects for the Vernon school district. In addition, the Province invested $165,000 for 11 classroom conversions for Full Day Kindergarten.

• Since 2001, the 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 B.C. All new and replacement schools have been constructed to meet the latest seismic standards.

• Since 2001, the government has committed more than $4 billion to school capital and maintenance projects throughout B.C.

• The ACE- IT (Accelerated Credit Enrolment in Industry Training) program is the technical training side of an apprenticeship. Successfully completing the ACE-IT program earns a student dual credit: graduation credits and their first level of certification in a trade.

• Secondary School Apprenticeship (SSA) students work as apprentices while enrolled in other high school courses. Successfully completing the program earns students credits towards graduation and continuing in the trade after graduating may qualify them to receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Learn More:

Vernon school district: http://www.sd22.bc.ca/

BC's Education Plan: www.bcedplan.ca

Media Contact:

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