Calgary students to benefit from two new schools
$207 million total province-wide investment in school infrastructure
Calgary... Students in the Calgary school systems will benefit from a $24.3 million provincial infrastructure investment to build two new schools that will serve students ranging from Kindergarten through to Grade 9.
"During our province's centennial, we are also investing in our future by directing emergent infrastructure funding to areas that school districts have identified as being their highest priorities," said Education Minister Gene Zwozdesky. "This significant investment in our education system is the first phase of government action towards ensuring our students continue to learn in well-maintained, safe school environments."
"The Alberta Government is pleased to support the construction of new school infrastructure that will respond to the needs of students and communities," said Dr. Lyle Oberg, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation. "By building new school infrastructure, the Alberta government is investing today's success into lasting facilities that will support the learning of students and build success and prosperity for future generations."
The province will provide $10.8 million for Calgary Catholic School Division's top priority project - construction of a new elementary/junior high school in the Tuscany community of Calgary. The school will be built to accommodate 400 students in Kindergarten to Grade 9.
"This new school investment is welcome news for our community," said Greg Melchin, MLA for Calgary-North West. "Our students and parents will be very pleased with the announcement of construction of this new school."
Calgary Board of Education will receive $13.5 million to build the Shawnessy/Somerset Middle School which will accommodate 900 students in grades 5 to 9.
"I am pleased that a new middle school will be constructed in this neighbourhood," stated Cindy Ady, MLA for Calgary-Shaw. "This school is a good start to alleviating the school infrastructure concerns that have been identified in Calgary."
Construction details will be finalized and determined by the local boards in conjunction with officials from Alberta Education and Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation.
The new schools are part of a first phase of ongoing provincial investment in school infrastructure. A total of $207 million in first quarter "unanticipated surplus" funding was allocated to Alberta Education for school infrastructure. This new funding is being distributed province-wide for top school infrastructure priorities and to ensure dollars are directed to critical areas. Additional portables/modular classrooms and francophone school infrastructure projects will be announced later this fall. An announcement regarding a special Lethbridge school project will be made next week.
