Planned improvements to Abbotsford schools will come sooner than expected, thanks to a cash infusion of $2.3 million from the province.
The funds come as part of a $82.5 million funding boost for facilities upgrades across B.C.
The cash will allow School District 34 to make capital investments during the 2018/19 school year, including upgrades to fire alarms at 15 schools, a new boiler at Robert Bateman Secondary, upgrades to the exterior of Dormick Park Elementary and the purchase of a new school bus, spokesperson Kayla Stuckart said.
Stuckart said all of the spending had already been planned for in the district’s long-term facilities plan, but the $2,325,683 facility grant will accelerate the timetable.
BC School Trustees Association president Gordon Swan praised the funding announcement.
“We are pleased that the government has listened to the needs of school boards and has taken these first steps required to invest in the facilities students depend on daily,” he said. “This is a clear signal that we are prioritizing our young people and providing them with what they need to make the most of the classroom experience.”
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