Mar. 12, 2020
At the March 10, 2019 public board meeting, the Calgary Board of Education Board of Trustees approved the Three-Year School Capital Plan 2021-24 requesting thirteen new construction and major modernization projects from the Provincial Government. This includes three new schools and ten modernizations.
The CBE is scheduled to open three new elementary schools in 2020,
Sybilla Kiddle School in the community of Cranston, Northern Lights School in the community of Coventry Hills/Country Hills Village and
Dr. Freda Miller School in the community of Evergreen. The CBE also has new
schools in development in the communities of Skyview Ranch, Mahogany and Auburn Bay and a high school project in North Calgary.
“We are pleased to be opening eight new schools and one modernized learning space for our students in the coming years. As our student population and our city continues to grow, space for students close to where they live continues to be a priority for our system,” says Marilyn Dennis, Chair, Board of Trustees. “The approved Capital Plan asks the government for an additional three new schools in growing communities, while addressing our need for modernized school spaces.”
The 2021-24 plan identifies a single prioritized capital list consisting of both new school construction and major modernization requests, as required by Alberta Education. The total cost of all of the projects is over $262.4 million.
The Calgary Board of Education does not decide when new schools are built. The Provincial Government determines where, when and how new schools are built. Each year, school boards submit a Three-Year School Capital Plan to Alberta Education. The plan identifies priorities for new school construction and major modernizations.
“More than half of our schools are more than 50 years old. This year’s Capital Plan does show a shift in our focus to modernizing ten existing schools, ensuring that all students in our system have access to great learning spaces,” said Dennis.
In 2014 the Board of Trustees approved revised ranking criteria for school capital projects after a thorough review that included public engagement. The criteria are data driven and establish a fair and equitable process for all communities.
Alberta Education requires the plan to be submitted by April 1, 2020.