South Otago High School principal Nick Simpson's goal of
providing his pupils with facilities the equal of those
anywhere in New Zealand has been given a boost with funding
of $1.9 million from the Government.
The school was one of 10 nationwide to receive funding under
the replacement buildings programme, Education Minister Anne
Tolley announced yesterday.
Mr Simpson said it meant the school would be able to replace
two 50-year-old wooden buildings that no longer met the needs
of modern education.
The ministry had acknowledged the cost of refurbishment was
similar to the cost of rebuilding, although it had only
granted two-thirds of what the school had requested, he said.
However, it would enable the school to build a modern, energy
efficient, low maintenance building that met its needs.
"In the long run, it's in the best interests of the taxpayer
and the school. We're delighted."
With the school matching the funding from its next five-year
property allocation, the project would cost about $2.5
million, he said.
The new building would incorporate flexible spaces to teach
technology.
"I want Clutha kids to have as good facilities as anywhere in
New Zealand."
The announcement meant he could "start fact-finding" and seek
advice from the ministry to get the building project under
way.
Ms Tolley said a further 17 schools received funding for
modernisation and upgrading existing buildings.
Together, the funding came to $29.8 million
rebecca.fox@odt.co.nz
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