The province is kicking in $1.7 million to help with renovations at Maple Drive Middle school in Quesnel with the goal of re-opening the school
More than 400 Grade 8 and 9 students are expected to move from Quesnel Junior school to Maple Drive once the renovations are complete in March 2018. All students who bus to Quesnel Junior school will be bused to Maple Drive.
“The safety of students, teachers and support staff throughout B.C. is my top priority,” said Education Minister Rob Fleming, in a press release. “Providing this funding helps ensure Quesnel Junior school students are learning in a safer environment as soon as possible. Ministry staff continue to work closely with the school district on a long-term solution.”
Quesnel Junior school was built in 1950 and is in need of significant repair.
“The board is pleased that the ministry is supporting this important school project,” said Gloria Jackson, chair of the Quesnel School District board of education. “The board takes very seriously its role in ensuring the safety of students, staff and others who occupy our buildings. We look forward to working with the ministry on a long-term solution for junior school students in Quesnel.”
Provincial funding covers the cost of renovations of Maple Drive, two portables, and moving school supplies and equipment.
This temporary solution allows the province and the district to investigate longer-term options for grade 8 and 9 students in Quesnel, and gives parents the comfort of knowing their children will be learning in a safer environment.
Quesnel Junior Secondary was built in 1950 and has a need for significant capital investments to address building condition issues. Maple Drive Junior Secondary was built in 1979 and has been closed for 13 years.
