Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Menicoche on October 23, 2012, to the Honourable Jackson Lafferty, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, regarding Trout Lake school replacement.

1. Where is the replacement for the Trout Lake

School identified in the capital plan?

The existing small school was built as part of a community complex in 1993. Recent upgrades were completed in 2011. The replacement of the Trout Lake School is not currently included in the 2013-14 Capital Plan.

2. Given the number of children attending the

school, what are the department’s long-term attendance estimates for Trout Lake?

Projected enrolments, based on September 2011 data, indicate that the school will not exceed its maximum capacity of 33 students before 2018-19. Projections will be updated later this year to reflect actual 2012 enrolments.

3. What are the parameters and guidelines

required to ensure a planning study for a new school in Trout Lake is undertaken?

A planning study is completed for large GNWT capital projects estimated at over $2 million. The primary criteria used to rank projects, in order of priority, are protection of people, protection of assets, protection of the environment, cost reduction or revenue generation, and program need.

Planning for school projects is completed in two stages. First, an education plan is developed, identifying program requirements. Second, a planning study is undertaken, identifying design and budget requirements. The department will identify the funds to work with the community of Trout Lake to complete an education plan in 2013.

4. Is there a portable school in our education or

government system that can be used in Trout Lake?

There are no suitable units available at this time.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.