Despite the provincial government announcing 18 new modernization projects for schools in Edmonton and Calgary, no word has been received yet regarding the modernization of Dapp School to convert it into a K-9 school in time for the 2014-2015 school year.
The modernization of Dapp School, which will include the addition of six new modular classrooms, is currently at the top of the Pembina Hills school division’s list of capital priorities.
The project is needed in order to turn the K-6 school at Dapp into the new Pembina North Community School, which will also house students from W.R. Frose School in Fawcett and Jarvie School.
Last year, Pembina Hills trustees passed a motion approving the creation of the Pembina North Community School provided there is sufficient space to house the populations of all three schools.
Pembina Hills board chair Kim Webster said they are still anxiously awaiting an announcement regarding the modernization of Dapp School and the placement of six modular classrooms at the school.
“At this point, we’re choosing to believe that this project will go forward,” said Webster.
“Although we would have loved to have an announcement for a Christmas present, we have not given up on hearing the great news any day now.”
Webster said the Transition Team and the division in general has been working really hard to ensure the children north of Westlock “are going to have the best educational experience possible.”
She noted they had developed a compelling business case for the new school with the assistance of Alberta Education, which agrees that the project is educationally sound and utilizes resources and finances efficiently.
She said the new school also aligns with the province’s vision to keep building Alberta and “have us live within our means.”
Webster said they remain in contact with Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock MLA Maureen Kubinec and she has been advocating on behalf of Pembina Hills.
“We are going to keep working with the province and our MLA and we are going to make sure the Pembina North Community School becomes a reality with the adequate educational space required,” she said.
She noted that the board would normally review a report from administration on what schools within the division meet its School Closure Criteria, but that has been delayed until February to give the province more time.
When asked if the board had yet discussed what happens if the project is not approved this year, Webster said they had not yet held that discussion and are still counting on good news from the province.
“Like I said, we’ve been given every indication that this is going to happen,” she said. “I think we still have a bit of time this year .... Let’s see where we are at the end of February.”
