Division Office ~
2024-2025 Transportation Fees Approved
While the majority of Pembina Hills students are transported to and from school at no cost, certain transportation services are not covered by provincial funding and therefore, offered for a fee. The Board reviews and approves these fees each year, and considers impacts to families as well as the sustainability of the transportation program.
No changes were proposed to the fees for the 2024-2025 school year, but some deadlines were updated for In-Town Transportation fees:
- ECS to Grade 6 students who live less than one kilometer from school can purchase bus passes between June 1 and August 14.
- Grades 7 to 12 students who live less than two kilometers from school can purchase bus passes starting on August 15.
Priority seating will continue to be given to funded students. For more information about Transportation fees, please see Rates Annex 4.
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, 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 1950s to the 1980s and was built to accommodate 1,227 students. While some upgrades have occurred since the building was constructed, a series of extensive modernization upgrades is needed as well as a “right-sizing” to accommodate the current enrollment of 766 students. This project is estimated at $34 million and is currently in the design and planning phase. - 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 $25 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 $19 million.
These priority projects are included in the division’s 2024 to 2027 Capital Plan available on the division website.