by Jennifer Pritchett
Northern News Services

NNSL (May 28/97) - A long-awaited renovation for Sir John Franklin high school finally got the green light last week.

And the public school board has received $520,000 to complete the detailed design phase of a retrofit that is expected to cost more than $8 million.

The public school board has been waiting for the funding for five to 10 years, says Gary Black, board chairman.

The renovation will include refurbishing, modernizing and redesigning the school's existing space, as well as constructing a student fitness facility.

The proposed renovations will not increase the school's capacity, but that could change if the enrolment increases during the construction phase.

Black said the board had asked the GNWT to fund the project for 1,000 students, but were given funding for only 750.

A rough design of what kind of renovations are required is expected by the end of June.

The fitness centre and possibly a student social area are two of the main highlights of the proposed modern version of Sir John Franklin high school.

The process has to be done quickly so that architects can begin designing the changes in the fall, said Black. The design phase will likely take six months.

Ground-breaking for the construction isn't expected to happen until spring of 1998. The remaining $7.5 million in funding still requires GNWT approval over the next two years. But it would be highly unusual if the GNWT didn't come through with the funds, said Black.

Students are expected to be able to use the new facilities by September 1999.