MISSION – Local MLA Bob D’Eith says students in Mission will benefit from safer, upgraded school facilities thanks to over $1.1 million in provincial funding.

“Students can’t learn if their school hasn’t been adequately maintained and upgraded,” said D’Eith. “We’re making different choices, and prioritizing students by investing in their education.”

Mission School District (SD75) is receiving $1,170,623 in funding for school maintenance projects, including School Enhancement Program funding for dust collector system upgrades at Mission Secondary and mechanical upgrades at Heritage Park Middle School. As well as two new buses through the Bus Acquisition Program.

“These upgrades, as well as the addition of two new buses, will provide greater safety and accessibility for students’ right here in Mission,” added D’Eith.

These funding programs are part of a $206 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. This year’s provincial funding is a $500,000 increase from the previous year, and a $20.6 million increase from 2016/17.

Since September 2017, the New Democrat government has approved over $3.5 million for school upgrades in the district.

The New Democrat government has delivered historic levels of funding to B.C. schools, including the biggest operative and capital budgets in B.C. history, an extra $1-billion in classroom funding over 2016/17, $2.7-billion over three years to build, seismically upgrade and expand K-12 schools, and a new annual $5-million playground fund.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2019EDUC0019-000324