Airdrie's public school division is asking the provincial government to provide funding to build new schools in the area in hopes of addressing a rapidly growing student population.
The Rocky View Schools' (RVS) 2023-26 Capital Plan includes a request for provincial funding for new schools in Airdrie, Cochrane and Chestermere – three communities trustees note are among Alberta's fastest-growing municipalities.
RVS's student population grows annually at a rate of roughly 750-1,000 new students, according to an RVS press release, making it among the fastest-growing school divisions in the province and in dire need of new space for students.
“RVS is creative in maximizing the existing space to offer the best learning environment possible – but more space is urgently required,” stated RVS board chair and Ward 6 (Cochrane) trustee Fiona Gilbert.
With at least three years required to design and construct a school, RVS is in critical need of new school approvals and funding.”
According to statements issued by RVS, the school division's utilization rate is expected to be at 101 per cent by 2026, even with the expected opening of a new junior/senior high school in Langdon in 2024 and an addition to Bow Valley High School in Cochrane.
“Prioritizing provincial capital funding to build new schools in RVS is vital as modular classrooms added to schools and school additions are just not keeping pace with the growth we are seeing in our urban communities,” Gilbert said. “With hundreds of children expected in these communities, the need for space is immediate.”
RVS listed several communities where they believe new school developments should be prioritized. Airdrie was chief among those, with a need for both a Kindergarten to Grade 8 school and another high school.
Also prioritized was Chestermere, which RVS said requires a new Kindergarten to Grade 9 facility. Cochrane, meanwhile, is in urgent need of a Kindergarten to Grade 5 school.
The capital plan, which was approved on March 24 at the board of trustees meeting, will be sent to the provincial government for consideration.
