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NLPS Gives Green Light to BCHS Modernization

It’s now official. Bonnyville Centralized High School is set to get a complete makeover.

The Provincial government included a modernization of the school in this year’s budget, but needed Northern Lights’ confirmation to go ahead. The board originally wanted a brand new school but agreed to the modernization.

“With all of the growth that has been occurring in Alberta and the high demand for schools and modernizations, Northern Lights is very grateful to have been included in this year’s capital announcements,” said Board Chair Mandi Skogen. “We are very excited about the programming opportunities that will be available for students once the school is modernized.”

Earlier this year, the Board participated in a Value Scoping session with Alberta Education and local stakeholders to evaluate the project and the available options. That session resulted in a recommendation that a modernization of the existing facility, rather than construction of a new school, would be adequate to address programming needs.

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“There are certainly benefits to building a new school versus renovating an existing facility, however, we are cognizant of the current financial constraints that exist and we are confident that a modernization at BCHS will address our needs,” said Skogen.

The Board reviewed its Three-Year Capital Plan at its board meeting yesterday. Since the BCHS project is going ahead, it was removed from the plan and the existing priorities all moved up one spot. A modernization at Ecole Plamondon is now the Board’s top overall capital priority, followed by a new elementary school for Lac La Biche, a new school for Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement, and a modernization at Iron River School.

“We will continue to advocate for the infrastructure projects included in our capital plans,” said Skogen. “It is important that we have facilities in all of our communities that are able to provide our students with the learning opportunities they need to excel.”

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