Prince George, B.C. – Preparations are well underway to ensure Springwood Elementary is ready to reopen this fall.

In April, the Prince George School District announced it was reopening the school to fall in line with the BC Teachers’ Federation’s Supreme Court of Canada victory last November.

Essentially, the decision ordered the provincial government to restore the union’s contract language to 2002 levels. In Prince George, it meant an extra 10 classrooms would be needed in the Hart which led to the reopening of Springwood after it was initially closed in June 2010.

“Staff are working really hard to make sure that Springwood is ready for students,” says Tim Bennett, school board chair. “Right now, Facility Services are in the school to make sure that the building is ready. There’s renovation work being done.”

He says those renovations include work on both the exterior and interior of the building and more.

“Work has started to make sure Springwood has a full library. Our Tech department is working to get the internet upgrades happening, getting the PA system installed, getting computer labs ordered and installed.”

Bennett adds the district has also ordered a new playground and is busy ensuring the school has a full staff in time for September.

“Kelly Johansen (from Heather Park Elementary) was hired as principal and right now all of the classroom teachers have been hired and there are still some vacancies in terms of support staff and non-enrolling teachers (specialist teachers). But our HR department is working with Ms. Johansen to get those positions filled.”

As for the final price tag on all of this he says it’s “too early to say because the work is still occurring.”

“But our Finance department and our secretary-treasurer are working hard to ensure we’re being reimbursed for expenses that are required for the reopening.”

Bennett says parents have been invited to an open house/barbecue at the school on June 21 at 5:30 p.m. to learn more.

“It’ll be a chance to meet the staff. It’ll also be a chance to really kick off the creation of the Springwood family and to welcome 160 students to the school in September.”