More clarification on the increasing costs of a new high school in Oliver. ODN is now told that the total amount over budget is $ 2.3 million with a shortfall of 1.2 million dollars as stated last week by School Trustees.

Mitch Van Aller,  Director of Operations at School District 53 says the district is 10% over budget on the project for a number of reasons including the price of steel.

Van Aller says there was $ 1.1 million in the contingency fund which dampens the blow but…..

“We’ve approached the general  contractor and subcontractors for cost reductions and they’ve come back with suggestions.”

The district says it won’t change the design of the  school. It will instead cut costs by omitting certain upgrades and cheapers products for the classroom space will be found.