News Release Archive
EDUCATION/CULTURE--PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNER FOR NEW HORTON SCHOOL ----------------------------------------------------------------- ACCESS Technologies, the unanimous choice of a 12-member evaluation committee, is the private sector partner for the new Horton District High School, in Kings County, Education and Culture Minister Robbie Harrison announced today. With this important step, the school is on target to open its doors in September 1998. "ACCESS Technologies will deliver one of the best schools in the country - on time, on budget, and in full partnership with the school board, school, Acadia University, the community and government," Mr. Harrison said. "At the same time, the province is stimulating private sector investment which means new jobs and economic growth in Nova Scotia." Mr. Harrison said this school will be built from the community up. "ACCESS has the expertise to create a technology-rich school, offering the very best in learning opportunities, the very best supports for students and teachers, in the very best school." "However, it is the people - the students, parents, teachers, staff and community - who form the heart of a successful school. I want ACCESS to involve these people every step of the way in creating our school for our children," he said. As a first step, the minister is bringing some of the main players in the ACCESS consortium to Horton District High on Jan. 13 to meet community members and present an overview of the winning proposal. The overview will include highlights of the use of leading-edge technology to support learning, professional development support for teachers, benefits for neighbouring schools, opportunities for community partnerships and unique design features proposed for the school. Seven companies have joined their expertise to form ACCESS Technologies. Led by a jointly-owned company called Hardman Lindsay School Ventures Ltd., consortium members include: the Hardman Group Limited, development and facility managers; J. W. Lindsay Enterprises Limited, contractors and construction managers; Andersen Consulting, a global management and technology consulting organization; GE Capital Technology Management Services, technology leaders; Barrie and Langille Architects Ltd.; Muttart Tufts DeWolfe & Coyle law firm in Kentville; and Ernst & Young, accounting, tax and audit services. Mr. Harrison thanked the evaluation committee members for the hours of work they committed to the selection process. Committee members include: Horton school principal Andrew Clinch; Fred Crouse, coordinator of technology education and David Floyd, coordinator of property service and transportation, both from the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board; Wolfville school principal and former assistant superintendent of the Kings County District School Board, Tony Stewart; Dr. Jim Fasano and Dr. Greg MacKinnon, both from Acadia's School of Education; and Fred Tibbet, business advisory officer for Annapolis Valley with Community Economic Development. Four representatives from the Department of Education and Culture and one from the Department of Finance also served on the committee. -30- Contact: Donna MacDonald 902-424-2615 trp Jan. 8, 1997 - 3:15 p.m.