Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond paid a special visit to Giscome today. Bond brought a $2.4-million project agreement signed by Education Minister Don McRae for signing by Prince George school board chair Sharel Warrington. This agreement paves the way for a new school and activity centre for the community.

The Giscome Elementary project will see two new modular classrooms complemented by a new activity centre. The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George is contributing $556,000 to build the activity centre which will provide the opportunity for a variety of student sports and offer recreational and multi-purpose space for community use.

After Giscome Elementary was closed due to health and safety issues in 2009, two portable classrooms were put on site so students could continue to learn in their community instead of having to attend school in Prince George.

Giscome's modular classrooms project is part of the government's $16.9-million program announced in 2012 to renew aging infrastructure in rural B.C. In addition to Prince George, the government is upgrading schools in the Nicola-Similkameen, Nechako Lakes and Nisga'a school districts.

Quotes:

Don McRae, Minister of Education -

"We understand the value of schools to smaller communities like Giscome and we have responded with a modular classroom program that will create safe, comfortable schools in four rural communities across the province."

Shirley Bond, Minister of Justice and Prince George-Valemount MLA -

"I was very proud to work with the dedicated and passionate families who told me how important it was to have their children educated closer to home. We also partnered with the Regional District of Fraser Fort-George so that an activity centre will be part of this project. Working together we were successful in achieving our goal and today I am so proud to deliver the project agreement that ensures there will be a new modular school and activity centre built in Giscome."

Sharel Warrington, chair, Prince George Board of Education -

"Pairing an activity centre with Giscome Elementary school will provide a hub for local residents and I want to thank all those who have worked to make this project possible."

Quick Facts:

• There are more than 13,500 elementary, secondary and graduated adult students in the Prince George school district.

• Giscome is located approximately 40 kilometres from Prince George.

• Currently, 23 students are enrolled in kindergarten to Grade 7 in Giscome Elementary.

• Since 2001, the government of B.C. has invested approximately $54 million in the Prince George school district. This includes an addition to Southridge Elementary, an addition to College Heights Secondary, a replacement school for Valemount Secondary, and a replacement school for Duchess Park Secondary.

• Since 2001, the government has spent more than $2.4 billion to complete 96 new and replacement schools, 151 additions, 27 renovations and 25 site acquisitions across B.C.

Learn More:

Prince George school district: http://www.sd57.bc.ca/

Giscome Elementary: http://www.gisc.sd57.bc.ca/

BC's Education Plan: www.bcedplan.ca

Contact:

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