The Northern Lights Public Schools Board of Trustees moves forward with plans to address infrastructure challenges at Art Smith Academy, North Star Elementary, and Cold Lake Junior High, a step in improving learning environments for students in Cold Lake.
“We have been working closely with various levels of government to find a solution that meets the needs of students at all three schools,” said Board Chair Karen Packard. “We are grateful that the urgency of this project has been recognized and we can now begin planning for facilities that will better serve our students and community.”
Last spring, the Cold Lake South Solution was named the Board’s second capital priority, expanding on a previous request for a replacement school for North Star Elementary. On March 7, Alberta Education approved planning funds, allowing the division to outline the project, look at possible sites, and move toward the design phase.
“Moving this project forward has truly been a team effort,” Packard stated. She acknowledged the support of MP Laila Goodridge, MLA Scott Cyr, Wing Commanders Col. Dave Turenne and Col. Mark Hickey, the Military Families Support Society and Mayor Craig Copeland in advocating for these improvements.
Each of the three schools faces significant challenges. According to NLPS, Art Smith Aviation Academy is in a federally owned building at 4 Wing Cold Lake that was deemed “end of life” in 2006, making it difficult to find a new location. North Star Elementary is near capacity with growth exceeding projections, leading to limited space in classrooms, parking, and recreational areas. Cold Lake Junior High also needs upgrades to fix design flaws and reduce potential liability risks.
Rather than treating these as separate projects, the Board has prioritized a comprehensive approach. “By combining these needs into a signle initiative, we can explore more effective solutions that may not have been available if we addressed them separately,” Packard explained.
Meanwhile the Board continues to push for its top capital priority, constructing a replacement school for Vera M. Welsh Elementary in Lac La Biche. The school’s design was approved in 2023, and the board is now awaiting construction approval.
