The Clearview School Division has received the final draft of the Stettler Middle School modernization “value analysis.”
Cost estimates for three modernization options were $8.15 million, $8.18 million and $9.11 million. None of the options includes a new gymnasium, which Clearview has listed as a top priority.
Grant qualifications likely mean a gymnasium would need to be deemed a separate project, reports the Clearview administration.
Adding a gymnasium would add $3 million to the project.
Alberta Education Infrastructure representatives are expected to be invited to the board’s May meeting.
Budget
A first draft of the budget was presented to the trustees and administration was instructed to present a second option for consideration at the next meeting.
Trustees reviewed class size and staffing history. Discussions with school principals and department supervisors continue in an attempt to get a final budget in place.
A final draft of the spring projection budget will be posted on Clearview’s website from April 30 to May 10 for public feedback.
Transportation
The board received transportation information regarding busing. It assesses the impact restructuring routes might have on the entire district. Average ride times are deemed favourable, compared to provincial averages, the board reported.
Trustees were told there are 54 buses on routes, 12 spare buses and three buses designated for extracurricular activities.
Adding a town route in Stettler is a possibility the board says it would consider.
There’s a strong possibility there will be no tender next year for the purchase of new buses, the board representatives said.
The board is meeting with the East Central Alberta Catholic school board to discuss a joint busing agreement.
School recognition
Gus Wetter prinicipal Daram Van Oers brought six members from the Gus Wetter archery team to make a multi-media presentation to the board last Tuesday.
The school is involved in the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) and has competed in local, provincial, national and world championships.
This year, an archery program has been added at William E. Hay school.