UPGRADING NORTHERN SCHOOLS

The Government of Saskatchewan is investing approximately $486,000 improve five schools in northern Saskatchewan.

"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. "These projects show our continued commitment to improving Saskatchewan schools."

The capital projects include:

• The Northern Lights School Division will receive approximately $124,000 to build a teacherage at Stony Rapids School;

• The Ile a la Crosse School Division will receive approximately $362,000 to upgrade the crawlspace of Rossignol Elementary School in Ile a la Crosse.

These projects will be cost-shared with the school divisions listed above.

Capital projects in the Northern Lights School Division also include the expansion of the gymnasiums in both the Twin Lakes School in Buffalo Narrows ($335,000) and the Charlebois School in Cumberland House ($330,000). Funding for these projects will come from a joint Saskatchewan Learning/ Northern Lights School Division capital reserve held by the school division.

"Students and teachers need modern, well-equipped learning facilities in order to succeed," Northern Affairs Minister and Athabasca MLA Buckley Belanger said. "These projects will go a long way in helping northern youth reach their potential."

These projects are part of the provincial government's investment of $6.2 million to improve 32 Saskatchewan schools. With these projects, the total commitment by government to K-12 capital projects this fiscal year is $26.6 million.

"These school improvement projects are part of the government's commitment to invest in modern, well-equipped learning facilities for Saskatchewan students," Thomson added.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

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