Education and Child Care
Construction has begun to give hundreds of students in Vernon a more inspiring place to learn.
“With 10 new classrooms on the way, students are one step closer to saying goodbye to portables at BX Elementary school,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Education. “I can’t wait to see every student at BX learning in classrooms that keep them fully connected to the great school community they have in Vernon.”
The Government of B.C. is providing $11.1 million for the 240-seat addition at BX Elementary, nearly doubling the size of the school. The Vernon Board of Education is contributing $425,000 toward the project, which is expected to be ready for students in September 2021.
BX Elementary is currently operating at nearly 150% capacity, with many students spending their entire days in portables, and enrolment is expected to grow. Without an addition, the number of portables at the school would be expected to double in the next 10 years.
The addition means that once complete, every student at BX will be learning in classrooms. There will also be additional space to accommodate new families moving to the community.
“Vernon is a great place to live, and School District 22 is a great place to learn,” said Robert Lee, board chair, Vernon School District. “These classrooms will allow all students and staff to be in one building and will enhance the inclusive and collaborative learning environment at BX Elementary.”
This investment is part of government’s work to build new and expanded schools in fast-growing communities throughout B.C.
Quick Facts:
- Budget 2020 includes a record $2.8 billion for new and improved schools for B.C. students.
- Since September 2017, the Province has announced over $2 billion for school capital projects. This includes $749 million to add more than 13,000 new student seats in B.C. schools, eliminating the equivalent of about 520 portables.
Learn More:
Parents and families are encouraged to access resources on the Keep Learning website that support students learning from home: https://www.openschool.bc.ca/keeplearning/
