News release

Premier Announces New School for Liverpool

Premier's Office
Education (July 1999 - March 2013)

Students and families in Liverpool and surrounding communities will have better educational opportunities when a new school is built to replace aging South Queens Junior High School.

Premier Darrell Dexter made the announcement today, Nov. 1, with MLA Vicki Conrad, on behalf of Education Minister Marilyn More, and Elliott Payzant, South Shore Regional School Board Chair.

"I attended South Queens Junior High School when I was a young man, so it holds a special place in my heart," said Premier Dexter. "I know that the new school will be an excellent addition to the community. It will make life better by enhancing the learning environment for students."

South Queens Junior High School, in Liverpool, has about 300 students in grades 7 to 9.

"The South Shore Regional School Board is pleased to have the premier visit South Queens Junior High to announce construction of the new school," said Elliott Payzant, South Shore Regional School Board chair. "Board Members, school staff, parents and students are delighted for the future of the South Queens community."

The South Shore Regional School Board, in collaboration with the Department of Education, recently conducted a study to determine the cost of renovating South Queens Junior High School. The study determined building a new school was the best value.

"This is a welcome investment in the future of this community," said Ms. Conrad. "In many rural areas, schools are not only a place to educate our young people -- they are the heart of the community. This new school will benefit many students, staff and families of South Queens for many years."

Planning for the project will begin immediately, starting with the site-selection process. The completion date, as well as the cost of the project, will be determined during the early phases of planning.

"This is a very exciting time and an important day for South Queens Junior High, and all the students," said Vernon Oickle, chair of the school advisory committee. "There has been a lot of work put into this project by many people, including parent volunteers. This announcement will have a great impact on the entire community and for generations of students to come."