FSC Architects and Engineers Ltd. of Whitehorse has been awarded the contract for design and contract administration of the proposed new F.H. Collins Secondary School, Education Minister Patrick Rouble said today.

FSC's contract is for just under $3 million, part of which will be spent in later fiscal years. The 2010-11 capital budget includes $2.7 million for design.

"The F.H. Collins school council is delighted that an architect is hired. We've been waiting for this for a long time,” said Wendy Boothroyd, who chairs the F.H. Collins school council.

Seventeen proposals were submitted and reviewed by an evaluation committee with representatives from the Departments of Education and Highways and Public Works.

The proposals were assessed based on many criteria, notably design experience with similar projects and local knowledge.

"Our government is committed to working with our partners to meet the educational needs of Yukon learners now and in the future,” Rouble said.

"The new school will benefit students from Whitehorse and students from several Yukon communities who attend F.H. Collins for high school.”

The current building opened in 1963.

More than 6,000 students have graduated from the school and more than 600 students are currently enrolled.

The construction of the new school is scheduled to be completed in late 2012.

It will be built elsewhere on the school property, enabling students to continue using the old building, which will ultimately be demolished.