$17 million to be invested in modular classroom spaces
Edmonton... Schools across Alberta are receiving new classroom spaces to better meet the needs of students, thanks to a $17 million boost from the province.
The Government of Alberta will invest an additional $17 million in new classroom modulars and the relocation of existing portables to school jurisdictions. This brings the total 2005/06 investment in modulars/portables to more than $39 million, resulting in 176 new modular classrooms and the relocation of 101 existing portables to areas of highest need throughout the province.
"A healthy and safe learning environment for our students is a government priority and was our primary consideration in determining allocation of these funds for additional classroom modulars," said Education Minister Gene Zwozdesky. "Space utilization pressure faced by school jurisdictions was the second deciding factor. While the Small Class Size Initiative is impacting school space, student population increases in some communities is putting further demands on our school facilities."
In November, Alberta school jurisdictions were asked to submit their most urgent requirements based on health and safety concerns and space utilization.
"Feedback from teachers and students using the new modular classrooms has been very positive," said Dr. Lyle Oberg, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation. "The large amount of natural light, solid steel-based construction and easy attachment to schools make them an ideal solution for expansions. By centralizing the design, purchase and inspection, we've streamlined our costs and built a higher quality classroom for schools across the province."
The new modular classrooms, introduced in June 2005, are consistent in design and will feature: singular unit steel frame construction (allowing for multiple moves and interchangeability among core schools); moisture resistant construction; a lifespan five to ten years longer than traditional portables; computer networking accessibility throughout the classroom; efficient and quiet heating compatible with school monitoring systems; and drywall interiors for a permanent classroom look and feel.
This $17 million is part of the $207 million in funding allocated to Alberta Education for top school infrastructure priorities. School boards will receive details of their allocations in the coming weeks. Capital school infrastructure projects for Francophone school boards, which will conclude the $207 million package, will be announced shortly. Additional announcements on more modular classrooms, new schools and/or modernization projects will also be made as more dollars become available.
Backgrounder
$17 million to be invested in modular classroom spaces
Alberta school jurisdictions will determine the actual placement of the modular classrooms and/or relocation of existing portables, based on local health and safety concerns and space utilization.
61 modular classrooms
| No. of Units |  |
| 20 | Fort McMurray Public School District |
| 12 | Calgary Catholic School District |
| 10 | Grande Prairie and District Catholic Schools |
| 4 | Medicine Hat Catholic Separate Regional Division |
| 3 | Fort McMurray Catholic School District |
| 2 | Calgary Board of Education |
| 2 | Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools |
| 2 | Foothills School Division |
| 2 | Northland School Division |
| 2 | Parkland School Division |
| 1 | Northern Gateway Regional Division |
| 1 | St. Albert Protestant Schools |
29 portable classroom moves
| No. of Units | |
| 12 | Rocky View School Division |
| 8 | Lethbridge School District |
| 4 | Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools |
| 2 | Fort Vermilion School Division |
| 2 | Northern Gateway Regional Division |
| 1 | Greater Southern Public Francophone Education Region |
21 short-term portable leases
| No. of Units | |
| 21 | Grande Prairie Public School District |
Backgrounder
Government's ongoing commitment to school infrastructure
Government made school infrastructure a priority throughout 2005, with two major announcements:
| 1. | In June 2005, government provided school boards across the province with 94 new modular classrooms and 72 portable classroom moves over the next year to address high enrolment needs. |
| 2. | In September 2005, government announced $207 million for school infrastructure. This emergent infrastructure funding was directed to the following capital priorities:
|
