PROVINCIAL FUNDING FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN SASKATOON

Education Minister Clay Serby today announced provincial support of

approximately $1.6 million to upgrade five schools in Saskatoon. The

projects are among 34 school renovation or upgrading projects

announced today throughout Saskatchewan. These projects will receive

provincial funding totaling $5.7 million.



"Saskatchewan Education is committing $24 million to over 100 school

upgrading, renovation or construction projects this year," Serby said.



"This continues the level of funding for school capital projects from

last year. The investment we are making in our schools, and in the

education of Saskatchewan children, is a good investment in the

province's future."



The Saskatoon Public School Division will receive approximately

$305,000 in provincial funding to construct four relocatable

classrooms at Bedford Road Collegiate. The total estimated cost of

this project is $540,000. The Division will also receive about

$105,000 in provincial assistance for an estimated $165,000 upgrade to

the fire suppression system in Buena Vista School.



Funding for the St. Paul's Roman Catholic Separate School

Division includes approximately $655,000 to construct an eight

classroom addition at Joe Duquette High School. This is the

first phase of a renovation and upgrading project that could cost

up to $2.5 million. The Division will also receive approximately

$515,000 in provincial assistance for six relocatable classrooms

at St. Goretti School. The estimated cost of this project is

$800,000. The province is making a $10,000 contribution to an

estimated $16,000 project that will provide barrier free access

to a washroom at Cardinal Leger School.



"School upgrading projects like this demonstrate the government's

commitment to working with school divisions to provide students

with comfortable and well-equipped learning facilities," Serby

said.



Today's announcement is the first phase of upgrading and

renovation projects approved by Saskatchewan Education in the

1999-2000 fiscal year, and is in addition to major construction

projects already announced for Pinehouse, Estevan, Kennedy,

Regina and Meadow Lake.

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For more information, contact:



Cal Kirby

Saskatchewan Education

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-6040