Three new relocatable classrooms are soon to be added to Hillcrest School on the city's south side, according to information received from the Ministry of Education in a press release issued last week.
"We are helping school divisions repair roofs, complete facility audits and handle enrolment and child care space pressures with $11.45 million in block capital investment," said Deputy Premier and Education Minister Ken Krawetz on March 31.
"These relocatable classrooms and spaces are going to help make room for more students and children across our growing province."
The announcement includes $7 million for 18 relocatables for Warman Elementary and High School, Martensville Valley Manor and Venture Heights Elementary schools, Ecole St. Thomas Elementary and Bishop Lloyd Middle School in Lloydminster, Miller and Davison schools in Melville and White City Elementary School and for redeployment of 11 existing relocatables for Saskatoon and St. Paul's School Divisions to handle enrolment pressures and to address changing demographics.
Funding of another $3 million is allocated for 10 relocatables to provide space for school based child care centres in Pangman, Stewart Valley, Estevan's Hillcrest School and Gravelbourg and three relocatables for additional prekindergarten programs which will be determined in consultation with school divisions.
Twelve roof repair projects and one school facility audit are being completed with the additional $1.2 million.
Krawetz noted that over the past three years, the government has committed more than $328 million to move 28 major school capital projects forward as well as over 400 smaller capital projects.
The moves help accommodate the first increase in overall school enrolments in the past 17 years.
Andy Dobson, manager of facilities for the South East Cornerstone School Division said the additional rooms at Hillcrest will provide 45 new spaces for early learning candidates through a community day care contract.
"The early learning care businesses first seek approval, get licensed and then look for spaces," said Dobson, in explaining the process. "They are privately operated licensed day care businesses."
A day care centre was installed at Bienfait's Weldon School last year, he said, but it could be accommodated within the existing school space whereas the program being introduced at Hillcrest will require the add-on space.
Dobson estimated the cost at about $500,000 which is being borne by the school division through the provincial funding program. He said there hasn't been a lot of communication surrounding the program yet so couldn't comment on just how many more square feet will be added to the Hillcrest complex or where the new rooms will be added and who will be operating the day care business.
"This will be worked out through a contract with the school division. It will be taxable space," he said in conclusion.
