School district officials at SD 53 are happy to learn the budget shortfall for the Southern Okanagan Secondary School is not as high as first projected.

Last month at their regular meeting details were released that the rebuild of the gutted school would be $1.2 million over budget.

But Vice Chair Sam Hancheroff says that number has been dramatically reduced.

"As of October the 18th the project budget is within $250,000 of project cost. Based on a budget of $22 million staff is very confident the project will meet the budget and quality targets."

Hancheroff says consultants and general contractors have been working hard to make changes that do not compromise the school itself.

"The costs seem to be coming down in some of the areas. I think the fact that the contractor working together with all of our district staff is making the necessary changes. This isn't going to compromise the actual school."

Hancheroff adds that the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2013.

Last summer the school burned to the ground while undergoing multi million dollar renovations.

Anita Sthankiya -Penticton