Students, teachers and staff at College Heights Secondary school in the Prince George school district will benefit from $125,000 in provincial School Enhancement Program funding.

Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount and Mike Morris, MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie announced today, on behalf of Education Minister Mike Bernier, that the district will use the new funding to upgrade the school’s direct digital control 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.

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount – 

“We want schools to be comfortable places for teachers and students to do their work.  This additional funding will be used to ensure that heating and ventilation standards can be maintained. Grants like this allow critical infrastructure upgrades in schools around the province including here in Prince George.”

Mike Morris, MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie –

“Upgrades in technology will directly result in savings for the school board by making the facility more energy efficient, meaning the money saved can be focused on students in the classrooms.”

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