By Lyonel Doherty
Rocky Mountain School District No. 6 is working on a long-range facilities plan that will see Eileen Madson Primary School replaced with a new $28 million facility if approved by the Ministry of Education and Child Care.
“As exciting as it sounds, we’re still at the mercy of the province (for funding),” Secretary Treasurer Alan Rice told the Pioneer.
“There is no guarantee this will come to fruition,” he added, noting if the ministry does approve the capital plan request, it will take several years before they see a new school.
Rice referred to the long-range plan that lists a number of schools under the microscope relating to current standards, efficiency, enrolment, capacity, and condition.
A report states that the Rocky Mountain district has not had a new or replacement school built in more than 30 years (since David Thompson Secondary School in 1994).
“Overall, the district’s total enrolment has been reasonably stable in recent years and is generally projected to remain stable or even decline slightly in the coming 10 years,” the report adds.
It goes on to say that no school closures or reductions in school capacities are recommended over this time period.
Eileen Madson Primary has been the district’s highest priority for replacement under the capital plan, with the report saying the school is functioning over its intended operating capacity and that the space is not flexible or suitable for non-primary grades.
Rice told the Pioneer that Eileen Madson’s classrooms currently represent an “outdated learning style” at 60 square metres, adding that the new standard is 80 square metres. So, the plan is to bring this learning space into the 21st century, he said.
The idea is to incorporate the school’s two portables into the new facility on land next to the existing building. The other development that has already broken ground is the new child care centre destined for the property.
While all of this sounds great, Rice is not holding his breath for the new school because there are “a lot of hoops to jump through.” He said it is expected the ministry will spend the majority of its money in the Lower Mainland to address “seismic issues” and “enrolment pressures” at those schools.
Rice said that a “wild card” exists with the impending election that could change things as far as the plan goes.
PAC chair Katrina Chapman said they have been made aware of the plans for the new school but not much in the way of details or timelines.
“We look forward to more information when it becomes available and still love our little school,” she told the Pioneer.
“An increase in childcare spots for pre-Kindergarten kids will also be a welcome addition,” Chapman said.
If the district does get approval for a new Eileen Madson school, Rice said the old facility could be utilized for other uses in the community.
The facilities plan also mentions keeping an eye on the upcoming needs of Edgewater Elementary, Martin Morigeau Elementary, J.A. Laird, Windermere Elementary, and David Thompson Secondary School.
