Alberta Government approves funding for Blackie School improvements

Alberta Infrastructure has approved $987,000 in funding to be used for removal of the old north wing of Blackie School and construction of a new mechanical room, equipped with energy-efficient mechanical systems, on part of that space. The project is expected to get underway in spring 2012 with the goal of having it completed as quickly as possible prior to the start of the 2012/2013 school year.
“We were very pleased to receive this news from Alberta Infrastructure as it will enable our Division to implement facility improvements that will enhance the comfort of students and staff at Blackie School, improve the operational efficiency of the mechanical systems at the school and save money,” said Denise Rose, Superintendent of Schools, Foothills School Division (FSD).
This facility proposal was approved by FSD's Board of Trustees as part of a facility review process undertaken beginning in 2004 to evaluate the utilization of its schools. In the case of Blackie School, the Division was incurring significant costs to operate and maintain the north wing; space that was not required based on current and projected enrolment numbers at the time. As a result, the north wing was closed following the 2007/2008 school year.
Blackie School is currently operating at approximately 50 per cent capacity, so the school still has ample space to accommodate students should enrolment increase in the future.
Through the facility review process, the Division also identified the need to replace the antiquated boilers and air exchangers with more energy-efficient systems. A new mechanical room will be built on part of the space presently occupied by the old north wing, space that dates back to 1927 and 1950.
School families have been invited to attend the next Blackie School Council meeting on October 26, 2011 to learn more about the project as well as discuss and provide feedback on ideas to commemorate the old north wing and utilize the additional space to enhance the school site for the enjoyment of students and the community.
About Foothills School Division
Foothills School Division (FSD) serves the learning needs of more than 7,000 students located within the boundary of the Municipal District of Foothills. Located on the City of Calgary's southern border, the District covers an area of approximately 3550 square kilometres encompassing the Towns of Okotoks, High River, Turner Valley and Black Diamond, plus the communities served by our Blackie, Cayley, Heritage Heights, Longview, Millarville and Red Deer Lake schools. Governed by a publicly-elected Board of Trustees, the system employs approximately 750 teachers and support staff. The Division operates 18 public schools, three Hutterite Colony schools, one residential program and four Alternative schools.
At FSD, we strive to improve learning for all students by developing healthy relationships within an intellectually engaging environment. Our students consistently achieve outstanding results in all areas of education. Academics, arts and athletics, together with career and technology programs, are viewed as equally important contributors to the development of our students. FSD also celebrates our country's cultural diversity through full French Immersion and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. Our employees engage in ongoing professional development focusing on innovative education practices to improve teaching and learning. We are committed to the principles of inclusiveness, equity, programming that meets our students individual needs, parental involvement and lifelong learning. For more information please visit www.fsd38.ab.ca.