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The new kindergarten to grade 12 school in Souris will be an integral part of the Eastern Kings community, says Premier Robert Ghiz.

The school will be located on the site of the former Souris Track and Exhibition Grounds and portions of the adjacent properties.

“The school will be situated close to nearby resources such as the hospital, fire hall and cultural centres,” added Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Doug Currie. “Located within walking distance for town residents and with safe access off the highway for rural students, it is an ideal location for a widespread student population.”

The centralized site will utilize the town’s water and sanitary infrastructure. The sports fields will be owned by the Eastern School District with the understanding that the fields will be shared with the community.

“The new kindergarten to grade 12 school will provide an environment that will enhance the educational opportunities for students while maximizing the instructional practices of the staff,” said Ricky Hood, Eastern School District Superintendent. “It is hoped that a healthy population of lifelong learners will be developed among the students and members of the community.”

Funding for the new school was announced last fall in the capital budget. It will be built for 625 students at an estimated cost of $20 million. Funding of $1 million was allocated to support the first year of planning.

“The K-12 Souris Planning Committee worked with the Eastern Kings Family of Schools to identify a location for the new school. This is a major step to having a school that is suitable for both the school and the community,” said Teri Hall, Souris parent representative. “We want the new educational facility to be situated for optimal service for the students and the entire community.”

Plans are now being considered for access off Lea Crane Blvd, along with improvements to the road, sidewalk and the school entrance area. The project is expected to be complete by early 2014.

The new Souris K-12 School project is an infrastructure initiative of Build PEI.