Regional Office –
Board approves capital plan priorities
As part of the province’s annual budgeting process, school divisions are required to submit a list of capital projects for consideration. These projects can include new construction or modernization, and are considered alongside all of the province’s capital requests, which include hospitals, parks and highways.
When creating the priority list for Pembina Hills, facilities staff review each school’s age, size, enrollment, as well as any maintenance concerns. Projects are selected based on the identified needs of each school.
The board approved the following priorities:
- Barrhead Composite High School – full modernization & right-sizing
This school was built in several sections from the 1960s to the 1980s, and was built to accommodate 1,227 students. While some upgrades have occurred since the building was constructed, it needs a series of extensive modernization upgrades as well as a “right-sizing” to accommodate the current enrollment of 733 students. This project is estimated at $30 million. - Westlock Elementary School – partial modernization
This school was constructed in 1970, with expansions in 1986 and 2012. This building is in need of some modernization upgrades to the school building as well as sidewalks, parking lots and bus lane areas. This project is estimated at $6.3 million. - Barrhead Elementary School – partial modernization
This school was constructed in several phases between the 1970s and the 1990s. Modernization of this school consists of a series of upgrades including air handling units, rooftop heating units and electrical upgrades. This project is estimated at $9 million.
These priority projects will be included in the division’s 2023 to 2025 Capital Plan.
Three-year education plan priorities
Each year, Pembina Hills School Division prepares and publishes a rolling three-year plan to chart a course for the way that education will be delivered. This plan includes a range of foundation statements and strategic priorities, and identifies a series of outcomes, measures and strategies to implement the identified goals.
Since December 2021, the board, senior administration and school principals have been collecting feedback from stakeholders on the current Three-Year Education Plan. These engagement activities have indicated that the foundation statements, goals, outcomes and priority areas included in the current education plan are still relevant to our current conditions. Because these priorities are still relevant, no changes have been proposed for the upcoming 2022-2025 Education Plan.
The board ratified the current strategic priorities for the new three-year plan.
Read the division’s strategic priorities.
Check out the board meeting agenda and minutes for more information.
View a recording of the meeting here.
The next school board meeting will be held at the division’s regional office on April 13, 2022 starting at 9:00 a.m.