MLA D’Eith welcomes school upgrades for Mission students

MISSION – Local MLA Bob D’Eith says students in Mission will benefit from safer, more efficient and comfortable schools thanks to nearly $2.5 million in provincial funding for school upgrade projects in the Mission School District.

“Safe and comfortable learning environments are essential to ensure our kids get the best education possible,” said MLA D’Eith. “After many years of cuts to education, I am proud to be part of a government that’s hiring more teachers and making real investments to support students and staff in schools across the province and right here in Mission.”

“This new funding also comes on the heels of the Mission School Board’s recent vote to re-open Stave Falls Elementary – more good news for students, teachers and parents in our community.”

Mission School District is receiving $2,406,511 in total funding, including:

  • $780,000 in School Enhancement Program funding for mechanical system upgrades at Mission Secondary and building envelope upgrades at Silverdale Elementary.
  • $400,000 in provincial Carbon Neutral Capital Program funding for energy efficient lighting upgrades at Hatzic Middle and West Heights Elementary and boiler upgrades at Dewdney Elementary.
  • $1,226,511 in Annual Facilities Grant (AFG) funding, which flows to the Mission School District annually for routine school maintenance costs.

These funding programs are part of a $198-million provincial investment under the Annual Facilities Grant, School Enhancement Program, Carbon Neutral Capital Program and Bus Replacement Program, to ensure students have well-maintained learning environments and bus services that are safe, comfortable and efficient.

The provincial government has boosted school maintenance funding by more than $20 million over last year, and has increased the AFG for the first time since 2004/05. The increase in funding will help ensure that students, teachers and school district staff can focus their energy where it matters most – in the classroom.

Provincial news release and backgrounder: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2018EDUC0015-000500