School District 47 has identified capital plans for its 2022/2023 submission to the provincial ministry of education.
At the Powell River Board of Education meeting on September 14, a report from secretary-treasurer Steve Hopkins was reviewed, outlining an expansion program, a seismic mitigation program, a school enhancement program, carbon neutral capital program and a bus acquisition program.
Under the expansion program, in a written report to the board of education, Hopkins stated that Edgehill Elementary School is one of four older elementary schools in the district. Enrolment is currently at 212 students, who are currently housed in the school building, along with five older portable buildings, according to the report.
A project sheet has been developed and used to create a business case to support the request for an addition to the building, which, if supported, would potentially increase the school capacity to 40 kindergarten and 225 elementary-aged students, according to Hopkins.
Seismic improvements in the plan amount to $4.3 million for Texada Elementary School and $2.9 million for James Thomson Elementary School.
Also for James Thomson, there are two mechanical system and ventilation upgrades requested in the main building, estimated at $1.285,625 and $811,250.
Under the carbon neutral capital program, the application for LED lighting upgrades is estimated at $180,521.
There is also a business case for early replacement of a school bus under review.
The board of education carried a motion to approve the 2022/2023 capital plan submission.
