$34 million invested in steel-framed modular classrooms
Edmonton… Students and teachers will benefit from the Government of Alberta’s commitment to addressing accommodation challenges through a $34 million investment in additional classroom spaces.The funding will result in the addition of 130 new, state-of-the-art, steel-framed modular classrooms and 70 portable classroom moves, bringing the government’s total investment in modular and portable classrooms to $73 million over the last two years.
“Our top priority is the health and safety of our students and teachers. The allocation of these additional steel-framed modular classrooms will alleviate some of the most pressing space and infrastructure needs throughout the province,” said Education Minister Gene Zwozdesky.
The $34 million investment is part of the $303.3 million in funding announced on August 31, which included 15 new school and six major modernization projects over the next four years. In addition, $7.3 million has been allocated for Francophone infrastructure projects throughout the province (further details will be released tomorrow).
The new steel-framed modular classroom, introduced in June 2005, is ideal for school expansion. The structure features: a steel frame (allowing for multiple moves and interchangeability among core schools); moisture-resistant construction; a lifespan 5 to 10 years longer than traditional portables; computer networking accessibility throughout the classroom; efficient and quiet heating that is compatible with a school monitoring system; drywall interior for a permanent classroom look and feel; large windows that allow maximum amounts of natural light; washrooms (in some cases); and connecting corridors (where required).
In January 2006, the government announced $17 million for new modular classrooms and the relocation of existing portables to school jurisdictions. Since 2005/2006, government has invested in more than 300 new steel-framed modular classrooms.
Alberta Education will work with local school boards to coordinate the logistics for distribution and delivery of the steel-framed modulars.
Backgrounder
$34 million invested in steel-framed modular classrooms
130 modular classrooms | 70 portable classroom moves | |||
No. of Units | School Jurisdiction |
| No. of Units | School Jurisdiction |
8 | Black Gold Regional Division |
| 3 | Black Gold Regional Division |
9 | Calgary Public |
| 5 | Calgary Public |
21 | Calgary Catholic |
| 30 | Calgary Catholic |
7 | Charter Schools |
| 2 | Christ the Redeemer Catholic |
3 | Christ the Redeemer Catholic |
| 1 | Edmonton Catholic |
11 | Edmonton Catholic |
| 6 | Edmonton Public |
6 | Elk Island Catholic |
| 1 | Foothills School Division |
3 | Elk Island Public |
| 4 | Grande Prairie Public |
7 | Evergreen Catholic |
| 6 | Grasslands Regional Division |
2 | Foothills School Division |
| 12 | Rocky View School Division |
9 | Fort Vermilion School Division | |||
6 | Grande Prairie Catholic | |||
5 | Grande Prairie Public | |||
1 | Grande Yellowhead | |||
1 | Grasslands Regional Division | |||
1 | Holy Family Catholic | |||
1 | Holy Spirit Catholic | |||
8 | Lethbridge Public | |||
8 | Living Waters Catholic | |||
1 | Northland School Division | |||
8 | Parkland School Division | |||
4 | Rocky View School Division | |||
Government's ongoing commitment to school infrastructure
The province has made school infrastructure a priority with a number of major announcements:
- November 2006—$34 million for 130 new modular classrooms (part of $303.3 million).
- November 2006—$7.3 million for Francophone school projects (part of $303.3 million).
- August 2006—initial announcement of $303.3 million, which included 15 new school and six modernization projects.
- July 2006—additional $119 million for Infrastructure Maintenance and Renewal funding.
- July 2006—additional $9 million to a total of $404 million for Plant Operations and Maintenance.
- January 2006—$17 million for new modular classrooms and relocation of existing portables.
- September 2005— $207 million for school infrastructure projects .
- June 2005—government provided school boards across the province with 94 new modular classrooms and 72 portable classroom moves to address high enrollment needs.
