| August 31, 2010 NDP Leader Should Visit New, Upgraded Schools COURTNEY – As NDP leader Carole James plans a visit, Comox Valley MLA Don McRae is inviting her to see how millions are being invested in the region. ““As a teacher, I know that sometimes a field trip can help students better understand a subject,” says McRae. “So while she is in town, Carole James should see firsthand our new schools, the renovations done to schools like Royston Elementary, the seismic upgrades at several schools and the four StrongStart BC early learning programs in the district. “Plus, the provincial government is investing close to $10 million at North Island College so we can provide local students with an opportunity to study closer to home.” Capital projects include: • Invested $24.9 million for a new Conseil Scolaire Francophone at the former Village Park Elementary. • Invested $1 million for building envelope remediation work at Royston Elementary. • Invested $4.6 million to complete the second phase of seismic upgrades to Ecole Robb Road Elementary. • Invested $4.9 million in seismic upgrading project at Highland Secondary School. • Investing $8.2 million to build a new skills development and trades training centre at North Island College. • Investing close to $500,000 at North Island College to train 30 practical nurses and 30 health care assistants, which will also include funding for an evening practical nursing program at NIC’s Comox Valley campus. “Education is a life-long process and we need to ensure the resources are there for students,” says McRae. “One of the ways we’ve done that is by introducing full-day kindergarten to allow younger students a better chance at succeeding, an initiative the NDP education critic this spring denounced. “Even though we’ve been experiencing some difficult financial times, we have made sure education is a priority. This year’s per pupil funding in Comox Valley is estimated to be $2,525 higher than in 2000/01 (a 41 per cent increase), even though we know enrolment has been steadily declining. By working with parents, classroom teachers and principals, we will continue to build a first-class education system.” For more information on McRae and his constituency, visit www.donmcraemla.bc.ca -30- | |
| © 2007 Government Caucus of British Columbia. All Rights Reserved. |