Rocky View School (RVS) Board has recognized that several older schools in the jurisdiction are requiring modernization and thanks to funding them through its Infrastructure Maintenance and Renewal (IMR) or Cash in Lieu reserve, the schools on the list will benefit sooner than later.

Student growth has continued to place new projects on top of the capital list while pushing modernization projects further down. With RVS realizing this continual trend they have decided to take four projects off the list enabling them to provide up to date learning environments for their students.

Modernization projects will take place at Elbow Valley School (Springbank) and George McDougall (Airdrie), while Indus School and Westbrook School will both be rebuilt with Westbrook relocating slightly to the north of the current facility. 

Todd Brand, RVS Board Chair, says he is thrilled they were able to find a creative solution."These projects have been outstanding for some time; I applaud our administration for its solution in using IMR and cash-in-lieu funding."

With new schools continually being required the board realizes the importance of not only modernizing the working environments for students but also creating a community hub for outlying areas.

The Elbow Valley modernization plan will total $500K in 2017/18 for its administration suite and front entrance. Within three to five years, IMR monies will be allocated for the school's roof, electrical, and mechanical system. For Westbrook School, RVS will access $6 million from its cash-in-lieu to build a new school with construction likely beginning this summer. 

Brand states the board is supportive of rebuilding Westbrook School which currently houses 170 students. The 1953 wood framed school located north of Cochrane on Highway 22, although well kept, has electrical, mechanical and structural deficiencies that need to be addressed. "Our external consultants believe the school needs to be rebuilt. I think this was the right decision."

Projects approved by RVS Board for Indus and Westbrook remain subject to ministerial support and approval, but the board is hopeful they will receive the green light.

High growth across the Rocky View School division has not been easy to manage, and Brand shares another new school for Cochrane remains high on the capital list. "A new K-9 school with a capacity of 900 students is proposed for Heritage Hills. This is the Number 4 priority on our current capital plan."

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