The Clearview School Board discussed possible updates to a proposed shared recreation facility in the school area, conceived back in 2012, and agreed on the next steps to see the potential new amenity succeed.
These steps would include:
- Confirm the board’s desire to move forward;
- Seek support from municipal organizations, and federal and provincial governments for the project;
- Create a budget;
- Create a concept plan and determine funding sources;
- Once support is in place, communicate the commitment to the Alberta government, and it can then be included in the capital plan for Clearview schools.
The process is estimated to start in September of 2014, and be finalized in June of 2015.
The shared facilities report was unanimously accepted as information and a second motion to support the outline of the next steps – specifically to seek support from the town and county of Stettler, and the board of trustees for East Central Alberta Catholic Schools and to seek support from government representatives – was carried with Trustee John Schofer opposed.
Schofer told the board he was uneasy about some of the costs involved in the shared facility. “There’s a reality to this dream, and it’s not really functional,” he said.
Board chair Ken Checkel says that though the project could cost into the millions dollars, it would benefit both the Stettler complex and people in the community.
The board also looked at whether to accept the use of two locally developed courses, both centred around forensic science, in the school division starting this September. The memo about the courses said, “These learning opportunities complement, extend and/or expand upon provincial programs of study.”
The motion to use the locally developed courses was carried.
Ray Hassenstein of the Gus Wetter Travel Club gave a presentation to the Clearview school board about the club’s trip to Ireland, Wales, and England.
He gave an overview of what they did and what benefits the trip had for the students.
“Travel is one of the greatest things we can do in the school systems to make sure kids get out of the central Alberta redneck mentality,” said vice-chair Dave Goodwin.
Board Chair Ken Checkel commended Hassenstein on the club.
The travel club is going to Belize next year, and Hassenstein said it would be the first time the club has gone somewhere warm.