BX Elementary School in Vernon to be expanded

Vernon’s BX Elementary School is getting a 240-seat expansion, the provincial government announced on Friday.

The B.C. government will provide $11.1 million to build the addition, which is expected to be ready for students in September 2021. The Vernon School District will provide $425,000.

“With the growth that Vernon has seen, it is vitally important to make sure students can go to school in positive, engaging environments,” said Education Minister Rob Fleming in a news release. “These new seats will ensure we are meeting the needs of students at BX Elementary.”

BX Elementary has capacity for about 300 students and is operating at 147% capacity with five portables on site. Without an addition, the number of portables is expected to rise to 12 in the next 10 years.

When the new classrooms are open, the school is expected to operate at 85% capacity with no need for portables.

This project will be the first school expansion to be completed in the Vernon School District since 2003-04.

Construction is expected to begin in spring 2020. Students will be able to remain in the school while work is underway.