BARRHEAD – With the modernization of Barrhead Composite High School already underway, the Pembina Hills School Division has identified new top priorities for its three-year capital plan, as submitted to the Alberta Government.
"With the Barrhead Composite High School modernization in progress, we need to set a different three-year capital plan priority," said Heather Nanninga, Secretary Treasurer, during the school board’s March 19 meeting.
While these projects have not been approved, they represent the division's most pressing infrastructure needs. Final decisions rest with the provincial government.
A significant update to the capital priorities is the addition of Swan Hills School, now listed as the division’s third priority. The plan proposes right-sizing and full modernization of the facility, including the possible demolition of the original 1964 section to improve utilization.
“This school requires a major modernization,” Nanninga said, noting that approximately 85 to 95 per cent of the building requires replacement or upgrades. The full modernization plan includes work on the roof, mechanical systems, classrooms, gymnasium, corridors, and science rooms. Minor upgrades are needed in the main foyer and the 1994 addition. The estimated cost is $12,838,000.
Swan Hills School has an adjusted enrolment of 234.5 students for the 2024/25 school year and a utilization rate of 40 per cent.
The division’s top priority is a partial modernization of Barrhead Elementary School, with a projected cost of $12,318,015. The school has a 2024/25 adjusted enrolment of 650 students and a utilization rate of 73 per cent. Approximately 65 per cent of the existing building requires upgrades or component replacements.
The 1975 East Wing addition is excluded from the plan, having already received roof and mechanical updates. Minimal work is needed in the 1997 North pod addition. The modernization will focus on the 1983 core section of the building, where original roofing, mechanical systems, and classroom components are due for replacement.
The second priority is a partial modernization of Westlock Elementary School, with an estimated cost of $7,652,469. The school’s 2024/25 adjusted enrolment is 480.5 students, and it is operating at a 66 per cent utilization rate. About 50 per cent of the building requires upgrades or replacement. Some systems—including HVAC and boiler systems, roof membrane, office area, washrooms, gymnasium, and the PA system—have already been addressed in previous projects.
Nanninga noted that although modernization is needed, the issues at Westlock Elementary are less severe than those at Barrhead Elementary.
The Pembina Hills Board reviewed and supported the recommended capital plan as presented at the March 19 board meeting.
