Students, families celebrate new and upgraded schools across Alberta

Thousands of Alberta students are starting the school year in new and modernized schools.

With 32 school projects – both new schools and modernizations – opening for students this month, government’s continued commitment to meet the needs of Alberta’s growing student population has created more than 22,000 new and modernized spaces.

And by fully funding for enrolment growth, the province has restored proposed cuts that would have meant 1,100 fewer teachers in Alberta classrooms.

“We believe that investing in education is one of the most important things we can do to ensure the long term success of our province. That’s why we will continue to reject calls for short-sighted cuts. Our commitment to students and families in tough economic times is not only the right thing to do, it also means good jobs when we need them most.”

Rachel Notley, Premier

Thousands of jobs – both direct and indirect – have been created by the government’s commitment to build and modernize schools across the province. Approximately 300 of them brought the state-of-the-art Nellie Carlson School to life in south Edmonton.

“Clark Builders is extremely proud to have been involved with the construction of Alberta schools over the past year. The 12 projects we were involved with directly affected more than 5,000 Albertans by providing excellent employment opportunities on our various school project sites. We are grateful for the province’s investment in our economy today and proud to be associated with the investment in Alberta’s future economy and the children and families who will be using these new schools for years to come.”

Paul Verhesen, President and CEO, Clark Builders

“The three new schools that Edmonton Public opens today are a significant step in helping our school district deal with rapidly growing enrolment. Predictable, sustainable funds from government mean Edmonton Public can offer students a high-quality learning environment in three new areas this year and 11 new areas next year. We’re excited to start the new school year on such a positive note.”

Michael Janz, Chair of Edmonton Public Schools Board of Trustees

The province has also introduced new transparency measures to meet the needs of Alberta’s students, families and educators. Improved monitoring and reporting on school capital projects along with a school construction website allows families to plan for their futures. For up-to-date information on new school and modernization projects, parents are encouraged to visit www.projects.alberta.ca.