The Government of Alberta has approved full construction of a new K-8 school in the Rivercrest community in Cochrane.
Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides made the announcement alongside Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Infrastructure, and Airdrie-Cochrane MLA, Peter Guthrie on Friday.
The Province also announced full build funding for two new K-8 public schools and design funding for a future public high school in Airdrie, as well as design funding for a Dawson Landing School in Chestermere.
The Province also approved full construction funding for a new K-9 Catholic school in Chestermere.
Rocky View Schools (RVS) sent out a statement in response to the much welcome announcement of new schools in its division.
“These have been long-awaited as top priorities for RVS and are crucial for providing relief in our most crowded schools in Airdrie, Cochrane and Chestermere,” said Fiona Gilbert, chair of the RVS Board of Trustees and Cochrane's representative. “Today's announcement marks a positive step forward as we plan for the rapidly increasing student population in these communities.”
“Our staff work hard every day to create safe, positive and engaging learning environments for our 28,600+ students,” said Greg Luterbach, RVS Superintendent of Schools in a statement released to local media shortly after the funding announcement. “This is not an easy task when you have limited space to work with. We appreciate all they do to support student success and we look forward to celebrating together as each new school opens.”
“Our government is helping students to hit the ground running, and the capital projects added in Budget 2024 continue that trajectory,” said Minister of Infrastructure and Airdrie-Cochrane MLA Peter Guthrie in a statement released to the media on Friday. “More than a dozen schools will be completed this year, and we look forward to seeing students filling the halls in short order. Alberta schools are built to last for 75 years, which ensures that children will benefit from our investments for generations to come.”
