Drumheller schools receive $24.7 million for upgrades
$207 million total province-wide investment in school infrastructure
Drumheller... Drumheller students will benefit from a major investment in school infrastructure by the Government of Alberta. The province is investing $24.7 million over three-years to consolidate programs into two modernized schools and enhance students' learning environments.
"During our centennial, we are also investing in our future by directing emergent infrastructure funding to areas that school districts have identified as their highest priorities - such as the Drumheller Solution," said Education Minister Gene Zwozdesky. "This significant investment in our education system is the first phase of government action toward ensuring our students continue to learn in well-maintained, safe school environments."
"The modernization of school infrastructure will provide enhanced learning facilities for students and communities," said Dr. Lyle Oberg, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation. "By preserving and protecting our infrastructure, the Alberta government is investing in the facilities that will support student learning now and in the future."
Funding is being directed to Christ the Redeemer Catholic Separate Regional Division and Golden Hills School Division to address their top infrastructure priorities. The Drumheller Solution will consolidate and right-size Drumheller's five existing schools into two modernized facilities - one for each school jurisdiction. The remaining three schools, which are in poor condition, will be demolished. Construction details will be finalized and jointly determined by the school board and officials from Alberta Education and Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation.
"This announcement is very welcome news, and alleviates many of the school infrastructure concerns our community has been expressing," said Shirley McClellan, MLA Drumheller-Stettler. "I know our students, parents and teachers are excited about these new investments, which ensure our students are learning in modern schools with improved access to programming options, such as Computer and Technology Studies."
These projects 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.
