Surrey MLAs welcome school upgrades for Surrey students

Posted in:

SURREY – Local New Democrat MLAs Jinny Sims, Garry Begg, Rachna Singh, Harry Bains, Bruce Ralston, and Jagrup Brar say students in Surrey will benefit from safer, more efficient schools thanks to almost $2,200,000 in provincial funding for school upgrade projects in the Surrey School District.

The Surrey School District is receiving $2,194,054 in funding for school maintenance projects, including:

  • Funding through the Carbon neutral Capital Program for boiler upgrades at H.T. Thrift Elementary
  • School Enhancement Program funding for Phase 3 plumbing upgrades at various schools
  • Funding through the Bus Acquisition Program for three new school buses

Additional funding will also be provided for building envelope upgrades at Coyote Creek Elementary, Frost Road Elementary, Ocean Cliff Elementary, and Westerman Elementary.

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 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 also approved over $17 million for school upgrades in the district, including $11 million provided in Annual Facilities Grant funding to the Surrey School District for school maintenance costs.

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.

Quotes:

“As a teacher, I know firsthand the sheer importance of upgrading schools to provide the best learning environment possible. Our government, in conjunction with the many newly hired teachers, are making the improvements needed to ensure students have the best chance to succeed.” – Jinny Sims, MLA for Surrey-Panorama

“These investments are part of our commitment to investing in people, and improving the efficiency and sustainability of our public buildings. Everyone wins when schools are improved with a view to the future.” – Garry Begg, MLA for Surrey-Guildord

“Students deserve the best learning environment we can give them. These investments in our kids’ learning environments demonstrate our commitment to making life better for people — especially our youngest British Columbians.” – Rachna Singh, MLA for Surrey- Green Timbers

“Having a safe, comfortable school building to go to everyday allows students to focus on what’s most important — learning. I’m proud of the investments our government is making for our kids.”  – Harry Bains, MLA for Surrey-Newton

“After over a decade of BC Liberal neglect, it’s very exciting to put forward this funding to support students in Surrey. Prioritizing education is at the core of our government’s commitment to putting people first.” – Bruce Ralston, MLA for Surrey-Whalley

“Surrey is a rapidly growing community that for too long didn’t get the educational funding support it needed to thrive by the previous BC Liberal government. This funding is an important investment in the future of Surrey.” – Jagrup Brar, MLA for Surrey-Fleetwood

Learn More: http://news.gov.bc.ca/19094