Balclutha Primary School's 145-year-old establishment now
includes many modern luxuries, after a million-dollar
refurbishment recently.
The school was built in 1865 and last had its interior
remodelled in 1989, principal Paddy Ford said.
The upgrade had been planned five years ago but a special
needs funding application was made, which took three years to
approve.
Not that he was complaining, Mr Ford said.
When asked what the school got, he smiled and replied: "What
didn't we get? We got everything."
The list included cabling, lighting, carpets, a quiet room, a
ramp and a lift for pupils with mobility issues.
The improvements came on top of a $380,000 upgrade to the
school's toilets, $106,000 in earthquake strengthening,
$81,000 upgrading the hall and $24,000 in information
technology upgrades, with help from the school board and the
Community Trust of Otago.
"It enhances our ability to deliver the special needs
programme. We have a very good special needs programme, and
those children have a purpose-built school now."
The refurbishment also helped the school to administer the
curriculum, and provided an attractive environment, he said.
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.