Schools under review, but wireless internet installation continues

Nine P.E.I. schools that are under review due to concerns they are underutilized are getting new wireless internet in the new year.

In all 10 schools are scheduled for wireless internet installation, which will most likely happen in January or February, according to the Department of Public Works.

This fall the province embarked on a major review of school infrastructure in the province, following findings that most school families on the Island are far under capacity.

• Road map for change: Consultations for P.E.I. school review begin

• P.E.I. public schools, and whether they are part of the 2017 review

Some schools could close as a result of the review.

Half a million dollar price tag

Six of the schools getting the new wireless are less than half full.

Central Queens Elementary is the only school on the list not under review.

The estimated cost of the 10 installations, based on past work, is $500,000. Public Works thinks the price tag could come in a bit lower, because consultations fees won't be included.

The Department of Education noted in a statement to CBC News that with no recommendations have yet made in the review process.

"In the meantime, we have many priority projects such as wifi installation rolling out in our schools, and they are continuing as planned," the statement said.

So far the provincial government has paid $2.5 million to install wireless internet in 46 schools.

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