Alberta’s Minister of Education says almost half of the new schools or modernizations that were announced by the previous government will be delayed and he is calling on the auditor general to step in.
On Tuesday, the province announced that about 100 of the 232 schools that were expected to be built or upgraded in the province will now be postponed.
The list of delayed projects includes 13 new schools and four modernizations in the Calgary area that were set to be completed over the next two years.
“It has become painfully clear through the development of our school capital plan that the previous government was not being clear with Alberta families about the timelines and funding required for over 200 new school and school modernization projects. As the new minister responsible, and as a parent, I’m extremely disappointed to learn that many of the schools our province desperately needs will not open on time. Alberta families have been waiting for these schools for a long time and they deserve a reason for the delays and assurance that this won’t happen again,” said David Eggen, Minister of Education.
Minister Eggen says his government is asking the auditor general to get involved and take a look at the major delays in construction and substantial lag in funding.
"Alberta families have been waiting for a long time for these schools and deserve a reason for these delays and an assurance that this won't happen again. That is why I’m announcing today that I have asked the auditor general to look into what has happened with these school projects and why there are so many that are so far behind," he said.
The new Calgary schools that are impacted include:
- Evergreen - Marshall Springs Middle School – 5-9
- McKenzie Highlands Middle School – 5-9
- New Brighton/Copperfield - Dr. Martha Cohen Middle School – 5-9
- Evanston School - K-9
- Francophone School for northwest Calgary – K-6
- West Springs Middle School – 5-9
- Saddle Ridge Elementary School – K-4
- Cranston Middle School – 5-9
- CBE Aspen Woods Elementary School – K-4
- Catholic Aspen Woods Elementary School – K-6
- Skyview Ranch School – K-9
- Silverado School – K-9
- South East High School – 10-12
Modernizations impacted include:
- Bowness High School – 10-12
- Christine Meikle School – 7-12
- Calgary Arts Academy – K-9
- Montgomery School lease from CBE – 9-12
The auditor general has agreed to assess the delays and will have suggestions ready for the government by the end of the year.
For more information click HERE or scroll the document below…
School Capital Schedule October 6 2015 by CTV Calgary
