More than 200 schools across the province are set to receive new buildings or modernizations, and Ashmont’s elementary and secondary schools are on the list for some eagerly anticipated changes.
“Were we expecting this? No. It is very much a pleasant, pleasant surprise,” said St. Paul Education Regional Division Supt. Glen Brodziak of the province’s Oct. 8 announcement to provide funding for capital projects, including in Ashmont. Wednesday’s announcement marked the third phase in a three-part plan for 230 school building projects that represent a roughly estimated $2 billion in costs. The Phase 3 announcement includes $43.2 million in funding to school boards to begin planning for 55 new schools and 20 further modernizations.
“Alberta’s prosperous future has drawn young families from all over Canada and the world to our province,” Premier Jim Prentice said in a news release, with the release explaining that the infrastructure announcement will allow Alberta to catch up to growth in student enrollment.
No set amount has been dedicated to Ashmont’s Elementary and Secondary schools yet, but there is now an opportunity to put together the schools’ needs and wants. The government will send out a consulting group, and from there, “we’ll figure out the scope of the project,” said Brodziak.
The high school is in need of mechanical and electrical upgrades, and a new gym, says Brodziak. As well, the CTS facilities are inadequate, with the shop space constrained and not allowing room for specialized equipment. “That’s something we’d really like to expand in the trades area.”
The elementary wing has 12 portables attached to it, and Brodziak says, “Some of them have definitely run their time and need replacing.”
Addressing air quality issues and the need for breakout spaces in the elementary wing are also on top of the division’s wish list, he said, adding the government has indicated that the project could be done within a range of “three to four years-ish, which would be wonderful news.”
The modernizations will “benefit the students and the communities we serve,” and will enhance the great work that staff in Ashmont is already doing, he said.
