Palliser School District shares long-term solution for Coaldale
COALDALE — Palliser Regional Schools is exploring a long-term solution to this community’s educational needs which could include a partnership with the Town of Coaldale.
More than 70 parents, school staff, trustees, town representatives and other stakeholders were on hand for a school facilities information meeting hosted by Palliser at Kate Andrews High School (KAHS). They heard the current school utilization rates and grade configurations at Jennie Emery Elementary School, R.I. Baker Middle School and KAHS, population projections for the Town of Coaldale, and the preferred option.
The option Palliser hopes to present to the provincial government this fall would address the long-term needs of the student population through grade reconfiguration and construction of a new high school. The Board of Trustees and town council has been in discussion about a partnership – something the province views favourably when approving projects – which could see a school build tied in with construction of a new recreation centre for Coaldale.
Palliser Superintendent Dave Driscoll cautioned the crowd that the meeting was only the first step towards the ambitious project, and that was to make them aware the board is looking at the “broader perspective” rather than immediate needs of just one school.