Editor:
I would like to correct mistakes in the recent letter to the editor, Liberals forgot to build a school, published June 25 in the Tribune.
The letter writer claims that funding promised by government was not provided for Marie Sharpe Elementary School in Williams Lake. This is simply untrue.
In 2004, the Ministry of Education approved the school district’s request for the replacement of Marie Sharpe.
Since then, the local board of education undertook an independent review of its school facilities and found that due to declining enrolment in the area, its need for this project would be re-considered.
When it comes to capital funding, the Cariboo Chilcotin School District (SD 27) has received more than $16.5 million since 2000-01, as well as more than $850,000 for StrongStart BC early learning centres and programs.
SD 27 also recently received $147,500 in total for playgrounds at five schools, including $40,000 for Marie Sharpe School.
George Abbott
Minister of Education