Another seismic school upgrade was announced in Richmond – the second in three weeks – this one to Manoah Steves elementary.
The Minister of Education was in Richmond on Wednesday morning to announce funding for a planned seismic upgrade to the school’s classrooms and gym and a replacement of the administrative office and main entrance. Funding for the project is $12.8 million.
The school’s Montessori program will move to Grauer elementary during the upgrades, expected to be done by summer 2021, so the remaining students can stay at the school during construction.
“We’re extremely pleased with today’s funding announcement to seismically upgrade Manoah Steves elementary, and we look forward to creating a safe and inspiring learning environment that fully supports the educational journey of our students and staff,” said Richmond schools superintendent Scott Robinson in a press release.
Construction is expected to start in fall 2019.
The construction will reduce the capacity of the school by 25 seats and will then have room for 40 kindergarten students and 325 elementary students.
Steves elementary is considered to be at a high risk for damage in the event of an earthquake.
In addition to Steves and Mitchell elementary schools announcements, funding has been allocated to seismically upgrade Hugh Boyd secondary, Tait elementary and Ferris elementary. Five other schools are in the business case development process.
