There was lots of applause and cheering at Saint John High School this week as Education Minister Brian Kenny announced $21.6 million for a mid-life upgrade.
The uptown school is about 86 years old and hasn’t had any major work done since the mid-1980s.
Lori Wall is the acting principal and tells us it speaks well for their school and the historic structure they’re located in.
“It’s important to us that we keep that historic structure, obviously, but bring in the modernization of it … and just making sure that everything is as it should be,” says Wall.
Education Minister Brian Kenny announces $21.6 million for upgrades at Saint John High School, which is about 86 years old, to extend its use by 30+ years. Last major upgrades were in the mid 1980s. pic.twitter.com/n8UNTuG1x0
— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) May 15, 2018
Wall says the work will include new flooring, windows, heating and plumbing, freshly painted classrooms, and new bleachers in the gym.
She says the building is in good shape, given its age, and the students help to keep it that way.
“They won’t get to see the end product of it,” says Wall, “but I think as they come back as alumni in future years, they will see the benefits of having that upgrade done.”
Construction is supposed to start sometime next year.