GOVERNMENT FUNDS NEW HIGH SCHOOL FOR LA RONGE

The community of La Ronge celebrated today when Education Minister Ken Krawetz announced more than $17 million in government funding for a significant renovation and addition to the Churchill Community High School. The Northern Lights School Division 113 will provide the remaining funds for the project, which is expected to cost approximately $22 million.

"This investment exemplifies the benefits of the Ready for Growth initiative that is helping us grow our economy, improve our quality of life and take pride in where we live," Krawetz said. "The renovated high school and new addition will provide an improved learning environment that supports student achievement."

"The Churchill Community High School project will have many long term benefits for our students, our staff, our partners and for the community as a whole," Churchill Community High School interim board chair Frank Durocher said.

The renovation and addition to the high school is now in the detailed design phase with the initial planning study completed. The project will see the replacement of the portion of the school that was constructed in 1964 and the addition of approximately 1750 square meters of space for students, teachers and the community. The high school project is expected to break ground in 2009.

"With the new school and new facilities, the student body will have more space for extra-curricular activities, more space to learn in classrooms and even venture off into the new fields like the fine arts and the trades," student representative Sheldon Merrimen said. "Along with this new school, there will be an immediate increase of pride and motivation in each student."

The project is part of the Government of Saskatchewan's Ready for Growth commitment of more than $117 million for strengthening existing schools and new construction. An additional $60 million was announced later in the year for projects that will begin in 2009.

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For more information, contact:

Jacquie McLean
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5609
Email: jacquie.mclean@gov.sk.ca