Kimble funds to be announced
By JENNIFER DUNVILLE
dunville.jennifer@dailygleaner.com
Published Tuesday December 11th, 2007
Appeared on page A1
The Liberals are expected to announce funding for two major District 18 projects in today's capital budget.
Education Minister Kelly Lamrock said approximately $8 million will be set aside for the completion of the Kimble Drive school.
"Construction has started on the new Boiestown/Doaktown school for the Upper Miramichi area, so we're putting about $4 million toward that as well," Lamrock said.
"We're also planning to put aside approximately $1 million to update other schools around the district."
Construction on the Kimble Drive school, which is replacing Albert Street Middle School, began in October.
The facility will have 7,288-square metres (78,400-square feet) of space and house 645 students in grades 6 to 8.
It will have 20 classrooms, an art room, music room, two science rooms, one computer land and other rooms for technology and physical education.
It will feature a large gymnasium and a cafeteria which will be designed to function as a cafeteria or an auditorium.
Supt. Alex Dingwall said the funding announcement will see the project become a reality by the September 2009 deadline .
"We are extremely pleased with the amount both for the Kimble and the Boiestown/Doaktown schools," Dingwall said. "We know government has a hard time finding that money, so we're very pleased to see these two new construction sites being served well."
Lamrock said he's excited to see both projects moving forward.
Both facilities will help improve the education of children by making sure they have top-notch schools in which to learn, he said.
"With the Kimble project, we are finally going to have a school that is befitting of the talent of the teachers at Albert Street," Lamrock said. "The school in Upper Miramichi will show that two communities can come together, find a compromise and create a top quality school."
The rest of the 2008-2009 capital budget will be announced later today as Finance Minister Victor Boudreau tables it at the legislative assembly.
Details of spending for the Department of Education are expected to be announced when departmental estimates are rolled out.
Lamrock said he expects to have more details by the end of the week.
--------
Northside schools may be combined
By JENNIFER DUNVILLE
dunville.jennifer@dailygleaner.com
Published Tuesday December 11th, 2007
Appeared on page A1
Marysville students may be getting a new school, but it could mean the loss of a school for the South Devon area.
District 18 officials held a public meeting Monday night to discuss the future of Alexander Gibson Memorial Elementary School.
The kindergarten to Grade 5 facility, which was built in 1926, was recently reviewed by an engineering firm after district officials became concerned.
The structure was deemed safe for children, but it's in dire need of repair.
Community members have three options to choose from. They include renovating the school, building a new school for Marysville or building a community school that would house both Marysville and South Devon students.
The latter would mean the closure of South Devon and Alexander Gibson schools.
"The big thing is the status quo isn't going to be good enough to continue serving the needs of the students in the Marysville area," said District 18 Supt. Alex Dingwall on Monday night.
"The present school is old and tired. We want to recommend that a new school be built, but we have an obligation to consult with the public first before submitting our recommendation to the minister of education for funding."
Dingwall said it would cost about $5.8 million to bring the school up to code. Most of the school's wiring, exterior walls, and ventilation system would need to be replaced. Building a new school would cost about $7 million, Dingwall said.
Education Minister Kelly Lamrock is the MLA for the Marysville area and both of his children attend Alexander Gibson.
At the meeting, Lamrock told parents that he would love to see his children attend a new school with up-to-date technology and lots of recreational space.
But he said he'll work for whatever the majority in the community wants -- as long as it's the best solution for students.
"As an MLA, I will work hard to find the funding for this project," Lamrock said.
"But as the education minister, I will do what's best for the children and their educations."
A location for the proposed school has been purchased.
The site is located to the right of the intersection of Two Nations Crossing and Cliffe Street on Fredericton's north side. It would be closer to Crocket Street than Cliffe Street and would encompass more than 30 acres of land.
"The location is great because it's still part of Marysville and could still be the heart of the community while providing the kids with lots of sports and activity space," said Paul Harpelle, a member of Alexander Gibson Memorial's parent-school support committee.
"My son is in Grade 2, so my wish is that this project gets underway in time for him to benefit."
Most of the 50 people who attended the public meeting spoke in favour of a new school, but not all are happy about the idea of giving up a treasured historic building.
"My parents and grandparents attended this school," said Kathryn Flinn. "My son is in the same classroom where I attended Grade 4. You can't replace that kind of history."
Flinn said she would rather see the district spend the money to renovate rather than build another school.
The building is old, but charming and still has the same look and smell as it did when she attended, Flinn said.
"It still has the old wooden doors and coat closets outside the classroom with old chalkboards and chalk. Two of my children attend the school now and I would be very sad if my other two children couldn't have the same experience that five generations of my family have had."
Dingwall said he expects to have at least one more meeting with the Marysville community in addition to meeting with residents from South Devon.
Once the district submits its recommendation to the education department, Lamrock said he will hold public meetings again with Marysville and South Devon before making the final decision.