More classrooms are coming to the Cumberland Community School.
The province and school district announced a $31 million expansion to the school on Monday. The expansion will mean 16 new classrooms for the school, adding space for more students.
"This is the only elementary school in Cumberland, and it is so important that we are keeping up with the growing needs of the community," said Minister for Education and Childcare Rachna Singh.
"This new addition will meet the present enrolment, and the expected enrolment for the coming years," she said. "The community is impacted because the schools have to look for extra space to add those students. These high quality classrooms are essential for that learning. We want to have all of the students have a great experience when they are learning."
“I am thrilled our government is expanding Cumberland Community school to allow staff and teachers to continue to provide students a safe place to learn and grow,” said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim. “Cumberland is growing rapidly, and these safe and modern classrooms will benefit students, their families and the greater community for years to come.”
The addition will replace the existing annex building and portables at the school. It will also feature a new neighbourhood learning centre and community kitchen.The commercial kitchen will help ensure that the Cumberland Community Schools Society can continue feeding local students, and have access to an improved facility in which to do so.
"The Cumberland Community Schools Society has been operating a Healthy Food program here in Cumberland for 24 years. We provide meals and snacks to students throughout the day. We've seen a huge increase in demand," said Cumberland Community School Society executive director Sue Loveless. "The Community Schools Society also offers after school programs, community programs and a drop-in youth centre. It's really nice to hear about the neighbourhood learning centre and that there will be some space for us to offer those programs."
Funding will be coming mostly from the province, which will be investing over $31 million. The Comox Valley School District will be contributing $200,000.
“This expansion is a significant milestone for the community and for our district to meet the rapid enrolment growth we are seeing in Cumberland,” said Michelle Waite, chair, Comox Valley Schools. “With these new seismically safe classrooms, students will be learning in modern and well-equipped environments reflecting our commitment to providing the best possible education for students.”
This is the second similar announcement in the school district in two weeks. Last week, 270 new seats were announced for Aspen Park Elementary school in Comox. Over the past six years, the province has invested over $85 million in the district. Singh said that the goal is for the new addition to be ready by 2027.
