New attendance areas for Airdrie residents affected by the opening of two new schools were set during a Rocky View Schools (RVS) special board meeting on June 25. The decision follows a series of community consultation meetings.
“These are not easy decisions we need to make,” said John Wheatley, director of facility planning with RVS. “We are at least thankful we are getting new schools and will be able to meet our accommodation issues.”
As part of the boundary changes, new kindergarten to Grade 8 H. Lorimer School will serve families residing in Kings Heights and Ravenswood.
On the west side of Airdrie, new school Cooper’s Crossing will accommodate students residing in the Cooper’s Crossing, Morningside and Hillcrest neighbourhoods.
Prior to the decision, RVS solicited feedback at open meetings and through two online surveys. Among the concerns raised at those meetings was the impact of new attendance areas on overcrowding in the French Immersion program.
“We were able to hear from stakeholders in what was important to them,” Trustee Todd Brand said. “It’s my belief that schools are better when the public is engaged.”
To accommodate overcrowding at the tri-school site (École Edwards Elementary School, George McDougall High School and École Airdrie Middle School), École Edwards will grow by one grade level in 2016 to serve French Immersion students in kindergarten to Grade 5. The change will alleviate pressures at École Airdrie, which will become a Grade 6 to 8 facility.
“They gave us what we wanted,” said Sharmen Dawson, a parent with two kids at École Airdrie. “It was not originally an option that we thought of in the last round of consultations. We put forth these options and they went for it.
“We’re pretty happy. It’s going to help alleviate population issues in the elementary and middle schools – and it will hopefully take out creative learning spaces that the kids are being shoved into, like hallway classrooms.”
Other alterations resulting from the boundary changes include Meadowbrook School returning to a Grades 5 to 8, and R.J. Hawkey Elementary School accommodating the kindergarten to Grade 5 Christian program students.
“I like this plan as outlined,” Brand said. “I think it’s a great opportunity to show our support for the growth of programs like the French Immersion program and Christian program.”
Trustees unanimously approved a motion by Trustee Fiona Gilbert to implement a “transition plan” for schools whose boundaries will change as a result of the decision.
“As trustees, we know for the parents out there (this) is important,” Trustee Bev LaPeare said. “Particularly for the parents who aren’t embracing what we’ve just decided. I think this would go a long way.”
According to Gilbert, the plan will work to transition students, staff and families and “provide opportunities for all stakeholders to be involved.”
For more information on the new attendance areas, visit rockyview.ab.ca
