This month the provincial government will table a new budget and the Kamloops Thompson School Board chair will be watching very closely.

Kathleen Karpuk is hoping to see a big line item in the budget for either a major expansion of Valleyview Secondary or a complete replacement of the district’s number one capital ask.

“We have been in very close contact with the ministry. They have been very supportive in helping us with our project report. We are talking to them on a constant basis so we are very very hopeful we are going to have good news and we are keeping our fingers crossed.”

That said Karpuk says of concern is increasing construction costs which have driven the cost of an expansion to Valleyview from 26 to 34 million dollars.

For a full replacement the cost would be much higher.

She says beyond Valleyview the district is hoping for more capital investment especially for a new elementary school in Pineview Valley.