June 14, 2010
New School for Langley to Support Launch of Full Day K

LANGLEY – Langley will receive a new elementary school and a new modular building to address its enrolment needs and support the expansion of full day kindergarten, announced Rich Coleman, MLA for Fort Langley-Aldergrove and Langley MLA Mary Polak.

“Langley has a young population and the area of Willoughby in particular is expected to see significant growth in the coming decade,” says Coleman. “The introduction of full day kindergarten is an opportunity to invest in the future of this community while supporting our existing students.”

The new school in Willoughby is expected to have 15 classrooms and be ready in the fall of 2012. The Langley school district will also receive one modular classroom, which will be installed to accommodate students in September 2011.

“By introducing full day kindergarten, we are ensuring our children have the best chance for success later in their education careers,” said Polak, “In B.C. our kids receive a world-class education and full day kindergarten will be an added advantage.”

The modular classrooms were designed by a committee that included educators and representatives from seven school districts. Naturally lit and energy efficient, the modular classrooms will provide a permanent, versatile solution with the same life span as a standard school classroom.

While enrolment has declined by 56,000 students province-wide since 2000/01, the implementation of full day kindergarten will require more space than is presently available in some neighbourhoods. These projects are part of a $144.5-million plan announced by Premier Gordon Campbell today which includes: 21 school additions, 1 school renovation, 133 modular classrooms, creation of new school space and approximately $10 million to furnish and equip classrooms, including the conversion of existing space, to support full day kindergarten.

The $144.5-million capital investment is being provided in addition to B.C.’s three-year, $280-million commitment to implement full day kindergarten for all eligible children by September 2011. Full day kindergarten will be available for up to 50 per cent of kindergarten students in 2010 and for every five-year-old starting school in 2011.

For copies of the illustrative renderings of the modular classrooms, visit http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/news/docs/2010/modular_school.pdf.

For the latest constituency news from the Langley MLAs, visit Mary’s website www.marypolakmla.bc.ca and Rich’s website www.richcolemanmla.bc.ca. Also, follow them on Twitter: www.twitter.com/MaryPolak and www.twitter.com/colemancountry.

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