Province provides $27.6 million for a new shared Lethbridge public and Catholic high school
Lethbridge... The province is investing $27.6 million over three-years to build an innovative new education centre in Lethbridge that will serve both public and Catholic senior high school students. The shared high school will enhance student learning and maximize school facility space, while reducing capital expenditures.
"The shared public and Catholic high school campus will have many benefits - most importantly in the education programming that students will be able to experience," said Education Minister Gene Zwozdesky. "Through the collaborative efforts of the community, this project is a reality, and as a result, will enhance the long-term educational opportunities for students in this region."
"Innovation plays a key role in the continuing success of students in Alberta. The funding we've announced today is an excellent example of innovation and an investment in the future of Lethbridge students," said Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Lyle Oberg. "While this shared high school facility will be cost-effective, the many new learning opportunities and the growing sense of community will prove invaluable."
The new, modern facility will accommodate a total of 1,350 high school students who will be able to register at either campus - approximately 450 Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division students and 900 Lethbridge School District students. Construction details will be finalized and jointly determined by the school boards and officials from Alberta Education and Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation.
"This co-operative school design demonstrates the collaboration and innovation of community leaders, that will enhance learning and library access for many people in the years ahead," said Clint Dunford, MLA Lethbridge-West. "This site will become an educational hub for this community, bringing people, education opportunities, and learning together."
This announcement is part of a first phase of ongoing provincial investment in school infrastructure. Last week, $207 million in first quarter "unanticipated surplus" funding was announced for province-wide school infrastructure priorities. Additional portables/modular classrooms and francophone school infrastructure projects will be announced later this fall.
