A public school is hoping to raise $1 million in a bid to become a centre for computing excellence.

And Spice Valley Middle School already has $250,000 in the kitty thanks to a donation from a single sponsor. Some of the cash will also be used to build a school swimming pool.

The school has set up a trust to organise fund raising events, receive donations and forge links with the community.

Announcing the formation of the trust yesterday, Warwick West MP and trustee Quinton Edness said: "This charitable trust will further the interests of the school and represents a joint effort of the school and the community.

"It is the goal of the trustees to assist in fully equipping the school with computers and to strive to make Spice Valley Middle School outstanding in computer studies.

"The trust fund will also provide, endow, construct, fit out and maintain with all necessary equipment, a swimming pool and such other buildings that may be appropriate. It is hoped to build the swimming pool as soon as plans are finalised.

He said architect Michael Emery had offered to design a 25-metre swimming pool for free.

Also on the board of trustees are school principal Patricia Holder and chairman of the board of governors Valerie Smith.

Education Minister Tim Smith welcomed the announcement.

"This is unique at middle school level and it's a model for many other schools to follow,'' he said. "As the Minister for Education I believe this is an example of ensuring that each school becomes more connected with the community -- it's reaching out to the community.

Mrs. Holder also hopes that other schools will follow Spice Valley's example.

"It's my hope that each of the other four middle schools will be able to find benefactors because Bermuda will benefit,'' she said.

HELD IN TRUST -- MP Quinton Edness signs the trust agreement watched by (from left) board of governors chairwoman Valerie Smith, Education Minister Tim Smith and school principal Patricia Holder.

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