The provincial government is spending $28 million to improve the school system in one of Newfoundland and Labrador's fastest growing communities.

Education Minister Joan Burke said on Wednesday that the money will be spent to build two new elementary schools in Paradise, and renovate the town's Holy Family Elementary.

Building a new school for children from kindergarten to Grade 6 will cost the province $14 million, a replacement for Paradise Elementary announced last August will cost $12 million, and overhauling Holy Family will cost another $2 million.

Burke said the two new schools should be finished by 2011 and the renovations to Holy Family could be completed within the next two years.

Paradise Elementary closed indefinitely in November 2006 after an assessment revealed mould and high moisture levels in interior walls.

Since then, more than 600 students have been bused to different schools in neighbouring St. John's and Mount Pearl.