Division Office ~
2025-2028 Education Plan Priorities Approved
The Pembina Hills School Division Board has officially approved the strategic priorities that will guide the division’s educational direction through 2028. After reviewing achievement data, staff observations and community input, the Board has endorsed a continued focus on three key areas.
- Student-Staff Relationships: Recognizing that positive connections form the foundation for student resilience and well-being, the division will continue with initiatives that include professional learning on relationship-based approaches to education and continued funding for Student & Family Advocates and Success Coaches.
- Literacy and Numeracy: Literacy and Numeracy remain critical priorities, with tailored approaches for different grade levels. Early learners will build skills through play-based interactions, while older students will develop more advanced reading, writing, and mathematical abilities through daily practice and application.
- Support for Staff: Support for Staff focuses on continuing to create collaborative environments that enable effective teaching. This includes professional development for principals as learning leaders and implementation of the division’s Assessment Framework with clear learning intentions and success criteria.
“These priorities align with Alberta Education’s requirements while addressing our local needs,” noted Superintendent Cooper. “By maintaining this focused approach, we can ensure our resources and efforts have the greatest impact on student success.”
The Division will continue to monitor progress through various metrics including survey data, student achievement results and graduation rates as the plan is implemented across all schools.
Board Approves 2025-2028 Capital Plan
The Pembina Hills School Division has unveiled its 2025-2028 Capital Plan, proposing significant upgrades to three schools across the division. However, the completion of these projects hinges entirely on securing provincial funding.
Funding Crucial for Implementation
The school board approved the three-project plan during its March 19 meeting, prioritizing the schools with the most critical infrastructure needs. The division will now submit these proposals to the provincial government for financial consideration.
“These infrastructure investments represent essential improvements to our learning environments,” Secretary-Treasurer Nanninga explained. “While we’ve identified these priorities based on comprehensive assessments, we recognize that provincial funding will determine whether these projects move forward.“
École Barrhead Elementary School Leads Priority List
Topping the division’s priority list is École Barrhead Elementary School, which currently operates at 73% capacity with 650 students in a facility designed for 885. The partial modernization carries an estimated price tag of $12.3 million.
The proposed upgrades focus primarily on the school’s 1983 core section and include:
- Replacement of outdated mechanical systems and air distribution
- Installation of new digital controls and boiler systems
- Comprehensive electrical upgrades including LED lighting
- Modernization of classrooms with new flooring, cabinets, and wall finishes
- Exterior improvements including new roofing and parking lot upgrades
Westlock Elementary School Designated Second Priority
Westlock Elementary School, which currently operates at 66% capacity with approximately 480 students in a building designed for 723, ranks second on the division’s priority list. The partial modernization is projected to cost $7.7 million.
The renovation plan includes:
- Electrical system overhauls with new fire alarm systems
- Classroom modernizations featuring new flooring and millwork
- Creation of flexible student gathering spaces
- Exterior improvements including new windows, doors, and metal cladding
- Gymnasium enhancements with improved lighting and acoustics
Swan Hills School Requires Most Extensive Renovations
The final priority project is Swan Hills School, which currently operates at just 40% capacity with approximately 234 students in a facility built for 580. The most comprehensive project of the three, this right-sizing and full modernization comes with an estimated $12.8 million price tag.
The extensive renovation plan includes:
- Strategic downsizing to increase facility utilization rates
- Complete replacement of mechanical and heating systems
- Comprehensive electrical upgrades
- Modernization of all learning spaces
- Structural improvements to the gymnasium and common areas
The school division administration remains hopeful that provincial officials will recognize the critical nature of these infrastructure investments. If approved, the projects would significantly enhance the learning environment for more than 1,300 students across the three communities.