Schools are central places in neighborhoods and communities. They facilitate learning, play, growth and social development. We want our schools to not only be welcoming, attractive and accessible but also efficient and energy smart.
Achieving this is an ongoing process. From needs analyses to funding requests to planning and design to construction, a new school can be 10 years in the making - or longer. It is work that requires collaboration and commitment, and we are fortunate in our school district to have a dedicated team that recognizes the importance of facilities to the success of our students. We have made great strides over the past few years in delivering upon our commitment to provide facilities that enhance the learning and teaching environment. On these pages, we bring together an overview of our major capital projects dating back to 2005, when we reopened the new Lynn Valley Elementary.
Capital project management is a dynamic area of our operations that serves both active construction and planning for the future. In May of this year, the Ministry of Education announced its commitment to fund the seismic upgrade of Argyle Secondary. With that commitment in place, we will now proceed with a full-scale evaluation of the school's needs and construction options, including the potential for a full replacement school. At the same time, we will continue to request the necessary funding for Handsworth Secondary and Seymour Heights Elementary, which remain high priorities for replacement.
As a school district, we have a great appreciation for the importance of optimal learning environments. Developing modern, efficient and sustainable facilities enhance the learning and teaching experience, improve health and safety conditions and provide a welcoming environment for students, staff and the community. It is challenging work, and we congratulate everyone involved in making our schools the best they can be.
Sincerely,
John Lewis SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS NORTH VANCOUVER SCHOOL DISTRICT
Franci Stratton CHAIRPERSON NORTH VANCOUVER BOARD OF EDUCATION
MAYORS' MESSAGES
The newly rebuilt City schools along with the development of the Education Services Centre and gallery on Lonsdale have seen the private sector, school board, local residents and the municipality working in partnership. I am very proud of what we have achieved together, and our commitment to both students and sustainability is a win-win for our community.
NORTH VANCOUVER CITY MAYOR DARRELL MUSSATTO
The North Vancouver School District is taking a very progressive approach to its new facilities. By bringing together their administrative services with the Artists for Kids program and Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art, they have created a new and one-of-a-kind destination on the North Shore.
NORTH VANCOUVER DISTRICT MAYOR RICHARD WALTON
