Schools across the Clearview Public Division have submitted their infrastructure wishlists to the government for the 2017- 2018 school year.
Projects that qualify include replacing building components that have failed, upgrading areas to meet program requirements, or projects that improve energy conservation and efficiency. The funding comes out of the infrastructure maintenance renewal (I-M-R) grants.
Director of Facilities Russ McKay conducted site visits and met with school principals to determine possible projects.
Topping the list in Stettler include renovations to childcare spaces, a roofing project at the Botha school, “Makerspace” renovations, and $150,000 towards the Stettler Running Track.
At Big Valley School proposed projects include new drainage and electrical upgrades to the staff parking lot, new security blinds and oa cement pad for the gym entrance. Toilet and window replacements have also been requested, as well as new flooring for the classroom, gym stairs and landing.
Projects at the Botha School include new shingles for the roof, and an upgrade to the learning commons. Funds would also be used for a shower, boiler and heating pump replacement, patch and repair work to walls at the entrance, and for video surveillance at the school.
Brownfield School is also due for boiler work, as well as a sidewalk replacement and outdoor patch and repair work. Funding would also be used on bringing the gym floor up to an acceptable standard, and to replace the bell system.
Coronation School is due for “Makerspace” upgrades, along with repairs/replacement of the air handling units on their roof. Wash station and storage updates, and bringing their gym floor up to an acceptable standard are also on their “to-do” list. Unsafe playground equipment removal, fire alarm upgrades, safety steps upgrades to the mechanical room, the junior high entrance and replacement of the exterior gym doors are also listed.
Donalda School’s major item for 2017/18 is also the replacement of the boiler and air handling system. As well, their gym floor needs to be brought up to an acceptable standard, as do their toilets and partitions in the washrooms. Funds have also been requested to remove dead trees on the property and for patch and repair work to the gym.
The Erskine School has requested I-M-R funding to replace window alcoves, as well as for “Makerspace” renovations. Their gym floor also needs to be brought up to an acceptable standard, as does the flooring in one of their hallways. Finally, a security upgrade for the school is listed, as are four entrance heaters that need to be replaced.
Gus Wetter School in Castor is seeking a canopy for their C-T-S courses, along with an electrical upgrade. Their gym floor also needs to be brought up to standard, with repairs needed to the doors, and L.E.D lighting upgrades. Wash stations and storage spaces also need work, as does the fire alarm, building controls and bell system. Replacement of the entrance flooring, and flood remediation work on the back entrance are also listed.
At the former Stettler Middle School area is also listed for 2017/18 I-M-R funding, with the majority of this to go to daycare renovations. The gym floor needs to be brought up to standard, along with repairs to the dust collection system. L.E.D. light upgrades to the stairwell, patch and repair work on the tri-flex room, electrical upgrades to the cosmetology area and replacement of the C-T-S doors are also needed.
Finally, Wm E Hay is applying for the largest share of I-M-R funding, with $150,000 committed towards refurbishing the Stettler running track. Air-handling improvements and pneumatic controls replacements are also needed at the Performing Arts Centre. Funding has been requested to upgrade the panic alarm system, and to expand the office for the school resource officer. Electrical upgrades on the C-T-S shop, patch and repairs to the physics lab, overhead doors and stair tread work are also listed. Finally, eyewash station upgrades, renovations to the floors in the gym and P-A-C are needed, as is repair work to the parking lot and to the air ducts in the cafeteria.
I-M-R funding is provided in two payments, one in September 2017, and the second before April 30, 2018. Last fall, the Alberta government deferred the September payment, and the board was warned it’s possible I-M-R dollars committed to August 2018 may be impacted by the province’s spring budget. Trustees were also told that staff may be limited on accomplishing all projects due to the number that need to be done.
Priority 1 projects are items already done, are in progress, or need to be done before September 2019 due to health and safety needs. Priority 2 projects do not need to be done in the next year, but should be completed within the next 2-3 years, while priority 3 projects are not a health and safety concern in the next several years.
landin.chambers@stettlerindependent.com
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