The Kamloops-Thompson School District got the news it was waiting for today from the province.
Education Minister Rob Fleming was at Valleyview Secondary to announce the school will be getting an expansion worth $34.5 million. That will increase the school’s capacity from 675 to 1,200 students, and will mean all nine portables will be removed. The school’s current enrollment is just under 950 students.
The funding will also see a new sports field, new gym, new classrooms and other upgrades.
“Our government is working hard to give every B.C. student the best learning experience possible,” Fleming says. “With 20 new, modern classrooms, a new gymnasium, multipurpose space and special education classrooms, Valleyview students will have a more enjoyable and engaging experience at school.”
Fleming was met with loud cheers as he made the announcement.
The province will contribute $32.7 million to the expansion and the Kamloops-Thompson School District will fund $1.75 million.
“SD73 is pleased to be able to begin this much needed expansion project at Valleyview Secondary,” said board chair Kathleen Karpuk. “This project ensures our students will have the access to the facilities they need to connect with their futures.”
A replacement or expansion at Valleyview Secondary School has long been the top capital ask for the Kamloops-Thompson School District.
Jubilation from the mayor and the MLA for Kamloops South over the news of a huge expansion to Valleyview Secondary.
Todd Stone says this is one of those moments where partisan politics takes a back seat noting he is celebrating the news as both the riding MLA and as a father.
“I hear all the stories at home just how difficult it can be to navigate the hallways. We have seen a few more portables added in the last couple of years. There is no question at 140% capacity here at Valleyview Secondary this project was absolutely needed.”
Mayor Ken Christian, a former School Board chair himself, says a lot of work went into this announcement but he notes more work will still need to come.
“I think the minister’s announcement was a predictor of more things to come as they look at Pineview Valley and some of the other needs of the school district and we want to work alongside the board of education to make sure that happens.”
Christian says the announcement is great news both for the city and the school district noting the work is badly needed at Valleyview.
Teachers outside Valleyview Sec ahead of #bced min @Rob_Fleming’s announcement #Kamloops #bcpoli pic.twitter.com/H2qk0TMXYr
— shane woodford (@WoodfordCHNL) April 12, 2019
There is just a little bit of excitement inside Valleyview Sec for #bced min @Rob_Fleming’s announcement #bcpoli pic.twitter.com/PbVT8eZ45g
— shane woodford (@WoodfordCHNL) April 12, 2019
#Breaking #bced min @Rob_Fleming has just announced a $34.5 million expansion to Valleyview Sec to address #Kamloops urgent capital need “soon there won’t be anymore portables at Valleyview” #bcpoli pic.twitter.com/c3C7xdz7T8
— shane woodford (@WoodfordCHNL) April 12, 2019
#Breaking Min @Rob_Fleming announces an expansion worth $34.5 million will be coming to Valleyview Secondary, which will nearly double capacity. Right now the school is well over capacity, with 9 portables, while Grade 8, 9, 10 and most 11 students share lockers. @RadioNLNews pic.twitter.com/zs1QOUPZm0
— Colton Davies (@ColtonDavies_) April 12, 2019
Valleyview Secondary has made the visit from Education Minister @Rob_Fleming into a school event. Fleming will be announcing a long-overdue “investment in students in #Kamloops” in a few moments. Details soon. @RadioNLNews pic.twitter.com/gryOEAOz9u
— Colton Davies (@ColtonDavies_) April 12, 2019