Some modular classrooms in use providing additional capacity to Rocky View Schools (RVS) will be moved for the 2016/17 school years, pending approval from the Government of Alberta, in anticipation of increased student growth.
These temporary prefabricated buildings are currently in use across RVS, including at École Airdrie Middle School.
If approved, the classrooms would be moved to meet projected growth numbers at schools like Ralph McCall Elementary School, which is projected to grow by an increase of 20 to 25 students annually for the next two years.
Without portable classrooms, Ralph McCall would see a 108 per cent utilization rate by 2017.
“When I was reviewing these numbers, I was thinking back to other portable submissions that we have had to make,” RVS Board Chair Colleen Munro said. “The numbers were far more than what we’re dealing with today. It’s a good news story that we have this core capacity.”
Other schools scheduled to be overcapacity by 2017 include Prince of Peace Lutheran School in Chestermere, Langdon School and East Lake School in Chestermere. To meet demand, two classrooms from École Airdrie Middle School and five classrooms from Mitford School in Cochrane will be relocated.
RVS will request eight new modular classrooms as part of their submission.
Trustee Fiona Gilbert had questions regarding a recent announcement from Alberta Education that saw 101 of 197 school construction projects delayed across the province.
“We were waiting with baited breath when we heard the announcement,” she said. “We’re not on that list, but are we safe yet for 2016/17?”
Cooper’s Crossing and H. Lorimer Schools in Airdrie, as well as RancheView School in Cochrane, were among the schools exempt from delays as part of the recent announcement. According to RVS planners, construction on the new school is expected to continue without delays.
“We expect them to open on time, but construction issues happen,” Gilbert said. “So I’m just trying to understand the timing. If approved, we’re looking to remove five portables off (Mitford School). If there were delays, would they still be removed if that school is not opened (on time)?”
“In the spring, we’ll have a much better understanding,” RVS Director of Facility Planning Colette Winter said. “(We’ll know) if we need to make some emergency plans. If the plans are to keep the portables, it will be in the spring that we’ll have a much better idea as to the actual date that the schools will be ready.”
