Local schools are set to receive LED lighting upgrades and a fresh fleet of buses thanks to a $1.5 million grant from the B.C. government.
School District 58 has secured $701,348 to replace five aging buses, and superintendent Steve McNiven said it is important to note one of the new buses will be wheelchair accessible.
“It is a good thing for the district,” he said, noting the accessible buses come with a higher price tag. “We have had a small van in the past, but it was not in service. So it is great to be able to have the accessibility for all of our students.”
Applying for the bus funding was a proactive step, added Barbara Ross, the district’s secretary treasurer.
“We’ve never had so many new buses before,” Ross said. “So this is exciting.”
While a fresh fleet will be transporting local children to and from school in the coming months, new LED lighting will be illuminating classrooms throughout the district.
Princeton Secondary, Central Elementary, Diamond Vale Elementary, Collettville Elementary and John Allison Elementary are all set to benefit from a $870,000 energy update grant from the B.C. government.
The project is part of the district’s ongoing efforts to install adjustable, LED lighting in classrooms.
Teachers who have already received the upgrade have reported success, McNiven noted.
“They feel that it is a more comfortable space to learn in,” he said. “And because they can adjust the lights I believe it provides a variety of learning opportunities.”
