The Calgary Board of Education is planning for growth and says new schools and the modernization of some older institutions is required to meet the educational needs of students now and in the future.
A priority list of new schools and projects has been released as part of the Three-Year School Capital Plan that is submitted each year by every school board in the province to Alberta Education.
The board says the total cost of new school construction combined with the major modernization priority list in the School Capital Plan for 2014-17 is $860 million.
In May, the province announced six new schools for the city in Copperfield, Evanston, New Brighton, Royal Oak/Rocky Ridge, Saddle Ridge as well as a high school for the northeast.
Those six new schools are not included in the priority plan.
The CBE says that many of its schools are already at capacity and it is projecting a significant increase in enrolment in the coming years.
The board says that 25 new schools are needed by 2018 in order to maintain the current system utilization rate of 80 percent.
Officials say that if capacity is not addressed then increased student transportation, crowded classrooms and a lack of space will have a direct impact on student learning.
Many CBE schools are also in need of significant upgrades, repair and modernization work.
“Sixty per cent of our schools are more than 40 years old and a number are nearing the end of their life cycle,” says Frank Coppinger, Superintendent, Facilities and Environmental Services. “Our schools must be safe for our students, without question. These projects are urgently needed, and represent a significant financial requirement.”
The 2014-17 Three-Year School Capital Plan will be debated by the Board of Trustees at a Public Board Meeting on Tuesday.
To view the 2014-17 Three-Year School Capital Plan click here.
