Premier Brian Gallant and Minister Stephen Horsman, an Oromocto High School alumni, joined Principal Jeff Holder, students, staff, ASD-W District Education Council members, district officials and Parent School Support Committee chair Wendy Greer for a $27 million infrastructure announcement on May 15 in the school gym.

"Investing in education is crucial for economic prosperity," said Premier Brian Gallant. "Your government recognizes the importance of having the proper infrastructure in place for our children and educators to have the best learning environment possible."

A building assessment was completed last year and the results showed that a mid-life upgrade was feasible. Such upgrades are meant to address all architectural, civil, structural, mechanical and electrical deficiencies of a school as well as modernize it and extend its use by 30 years or more. The renovations will also include a gymnasium addition. 

"Our vision at Oromocto High School is to become a centre of excellence in teaching and learning," said Principal Jeff Holder. "With an updated facility, we will be one step closer to making that vision come true."

Design work will begin this spring. The target date for completion of construction is September 2023. The school was built in 1965 and has nearly 1,080 students. The facility also houses the Oromocto Education Centre for Anglophone West School District.

The 2018-2019 capital budget includes investments of $105.8 million in public schools.

The government's 10-year education plans aim to improve educational outcomes and better prepare young people for the future. They set objectives in priority areas to create lifelong learners, support educational leaders and bring stability to the system. 

Shown in the photo below are (back row) District Education Council member Mark Noel, Minister Stephen Horsman, Principal Jeff Holder, Premier Brian Gallant and Gina Dunnett, director of schools for the Oromocto Education Centre in ASD-W; (front row) Kimberley Douglass, chair of the District Education Council, with Wendy Greer, chair of the local Parent School Support Committee. Also shown in the photos below are Premier Gallant chatting with students and staff at Oromocto High during the announcement about the upgrade.