When PJ Gillen School in Esterhazy applied for funding from mosaic to replace the school’s lockers, they didn’t expect to get a new library and gymnasium out of it as well.
Teresa Korol, Good Spirit School Division’s facilities manager, explained that when the company received the request, it came back with the question, “what else do you need?”
Last week, the board of education announced Mosaic had come through with $300,000.
“It was a very pleasant surprise,” Korol said.
Nevin Maga, general manager of Mosaic’s Esterhazy operations said the grant demonstrates Mosaic’s long term commitment to the community.
“This grant will help offset the demand for infrastructure improvements in our local school, leading to a safer and healthier learning environment for current students and future generations,” he said.
The money will allow the school to install enough lockers for every student ($50,000); upgrade the library, including flooring shelving and a new circulation desk ($50,000); and completely overhaul the gymnasium, including floors, walls, change rooms and a structural upgrade to the mezzanine ($200,000).
The renovations will be done in conjunction with already budgeted improvements to the school’s ventilation system.
Board of Education chair Lois Smandych said the money will go a long way to improving student outcomes.
“We are thankful for Mosaic’s commitment to education,” she said. “This announcement sees the work being completed in conjunction with the heating and ventilation upgrades to PJ Gillen School this summer. School environment improvements for staff and students are an important part of education in a growing area of our division.”
