Overcrowding classrooms continue to be a major issue in Bedford South and much of HRM. Far too many schools face this problem due to aging infrastructure and a recent surge in population growth. The government promised new schools in HRM over a year ago, but families and staff are still waiting. We need to know when and where new schools will be built and I will keep hammering away on this until we see some tangible action from the government.
In West Bedford, where the population is growing as fast as any other area of HRM, new schools that have been open for less than a year are already operating at 150 per cent capacity and have resorted to modular classrooms to cope with the steady increase. Bedford South is just one of many ridings in HRM eager for a new school.
When I was recently asked about community concerns of overcrowded classrooms my response to this was “despite the government’s own capital plan citing significant population growth as a reason for new schools to be built in HRM, they have been silent on locations for new schools. We’re seeing rapid population growth across HRM and urgently need new schools to accommodate our students, teachers, and families.”