FUNDING FOR NEW CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL IN OXBOW ANNOUNCED

The Government of Saskatchewan is investing approximately $50,000 for preliminary planning for a new school in Oxbow.

"When we invest in capital projects for education we are investing in our students and in the future of Saskatchewan," Learning Minister Andrew Thomson said. "The government's contribution to this project demonstrates our commitment to education and to providing modern, well-equipped learning facilities for Saskatchewan students and teachers."

Four existing schools, Alameda School, Oxbow Elementary School, Oxbow Prairie Heights High School and Glenn McGuire School in Oxbow, will be consolidated into a new K-12 facility to be built in Oxbow. The existing schools range from 45 to 60 years in age, have significant maintenance issues and are nearing the end of their service lives. Building a new K-12 facility to replace all four schools was identified as the most cost-effective long-term solution.

The total project cost, which will be shared with the Souris Moose Mountain School Division, is estimated at $9 million and will be confirmed in this planning phase

"Souris Moose Mountain School Division recognizes the importance of building for the future," Board Chair Bill Martin. "That future rests in the hands of our youth and in order to help them face the challenges of the 21st century we look forward to the opportunities that will be offered to them in a new, state of the art, K-12 facility. The Division looks forward to working closely with Saskatchewan Learning during this planning stage, and trusts that when final approval is received the new facility will, in keeping with the SchoolPLUS concept, become a focus for a variety of community functions."

"Schools are vital centres of our communities," Thomson said. "We need to upgrade and renew our learning facilities so they can continue to serve Saskatchewan residents well."

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For More Information, Contact:

Nelson Wagner Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-6040