Students, teachers and staff at Osoyoos Secondary school in the Okanagan – Similkameen school district will benefit from $271,300 in provincial School Enhancement Program funding.

Linda Larson, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen announced today, on behalf of Education Minister Mike Bernier, that the district will use the new funding to upgrade the school’s dust collection system.

Government announced an extra $20 million in funding under the program in September 2016. As a result, 217 school improvement projects have been approved to proceed throughout the province.

Out of the 217 approved projects, 122 schools will use the funding to upgrade their plumbing lines and fixtures. A number of districts will benefit from new or repaired roofs or upgraded fire response systems. For this round of funding, the Ministry of Education expanded the scope of eligible projects to include flooring upgrades and 30 schools will benefit from improved flooring.

As a result of B.C.'s fiscal discipline and balanced budget, government is able to support student learning, community development and local jobs through key investments like the School Enhancement Program.

Quote:

Linda Larson, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen –

“It is important that students learn in a healthy and clean environment. Improvements to the dust collection system will ensure that students and faculty have the right conditions for the best outcomes.”

Quick Facts:

• The School Enhancement Program is aimed at helping school districts extend the life of their facilities through a wide range of improvement projects, including: 
  • plumbing, boiler and other mechanical upgrades;
  • heating and ventilation upgrades;
  • roof repairs or replacement;
  • windows, lighting and electrical system upgrades;
  • safety enhancements including fire protection; and
  • flooring upgrades.
• Districts applied for funding to the Ministry of Education in September 2016. Successful projects were chosen based on need, priority and how well they support student learning and safety.
• To be eligible, projects must cost between $100,000 and $3 million and be substantially complete by March 31, 2017.
• Budget 2016 provides $1.7 billion in capital funding over three years to replace aging facilities, build more student spaces in growing communities and improve school seismic safety.

Learn More:

B.C.’s School Enhancement Program: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/administration/resource-management/capital-planning/school-enhancement-program