On June 17, Rocky View Schools approved a $2.5 million infrastructure and maintenance renewal program.
Each year, Alberta Education makes funds available for facility maintenance and renewal projects. Rocky View Schools’ 2010/2011 allocation is $2.5 million, despite the fact that division’s schools need more than $5.3 million in repairs
“I don’t see this as a wish list. I see it as things that need to be done,” said Trustee Helen Clease.
“Over $5 million needs to be taken care of and we don’t have the funds and that is a concern.”
Trustee Colleen Munro agreed.
“This is another part of the funding model that simply does not work,” she said.
“It is shocking that our schools look as amazing as they do with the little funding we get. $2.5 million for 35 schools is not amazing.”
Some of the schools that will undergo maintenance work include George McDougall High School in Airdrie, Beiseker Community School, Muriel Clayton Middle School in Airdrie, R.J. Hawkey Elementary School in Airdrie, Chestermere High School, Cochrane High School, Springbank Community High School and Elizabeth Barrett Elementary School in Cochrane.
These projects include roof repairs, upgrades to fire alarm systems, flooring replacements, asphalt work and work on heating and cooling systems, flooring, roof work, renovating washrooms and painting.
Schools that will miss out on projects include Ecole Airdrie Middle, Bearspaw School, Indus School, Prairie Waters Elementary School in Chestermere, Manachaban Middle School in Cochrane, Glenbow Elementary School in Cochrane, W.G. Murdoch High School in Crossfield and Bert Church High in Airdrie.
About 93 projects will be completed in or by 2011, while 180 are pending because of a lack of funding. Pending projects include a pumpout station for sewage for George McDougall and numerous flooring and roofing projects.
