School divisions get funding for portables

Some Saskatchewan schools are going to get relief from overcrowding issues.

In a media release Tuesday, the provincial government announced it’s paying $6 million to six school divisions for the purchase and installation of 15 new relocatable classrooms.

Eight of the portables are destined for Saskatoon (three to Holy Family Catholic School, two each to Willowgrove School and St. Joseph High School, and one to Georges Vanier School).

Four classrooms are to go to schools in Swift Current (three to All Saints Catholic School and one to Ecole Centennial School).

Facilities in Regina (St. Francis Community School), White City (Emerald Ridge Elementary School) and Yorkton (St. Michael’s School) each are to get one portable.

“The relocatable classrooms will allow divisions to address growing student enrolment in their schools without undergoing significant renovations or requiring a new school to be built,” the province said in its release.

“Relocatable classrooms can be ordered and installed much quicker than a regular build, and can be moved to another school with higher enrolment needs if they are not needed anymore.”

Through the provincial program, more than 100 relocatable classrooms have been purchased over the past six years.

In addition to the money for the portables, the government also revealed it’s giving $5 million to school divisions to help them deal with infrastructure needs in their schools.