The proposed boundary changes for west Lethbridge elementary schools have been unveiled. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

New proposed boundaries for west Lethbridge elementary schools presented

Sep 25, 2024 | 3:08 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Changes will be coming for some elementary students on the west side.

The Lethbridge School Division presented its proposed boundary changes at its board meeting on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

The altered boundaries are necessary because the Division is getting ready to open the new West Coulee Station Elementary School in Garry Station next fall.

The school will have the capacity for around 900 students in Grades K-5.

Associate Superintendent of Business Operations Christine Lee says this will allow them to relieve capacity issues for the other elementary schools in the area, especially Mike Mountain Horse.

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“Mike Mountain Horse currently has 21 modular classrooms and they have an enrolment of around 600 students,” says Lee.

While the modular spaces have allowed the school to accommodate more students, they have not added to their “core spaces” such as the gymnasium, hallways and library.

“You have more kids trying to access those core spaces.”

The current catchment area for Mike Mountain Horse encompasses much of the northern end of the west side and Garry Station. If the proposed new boundaries are approved, only students who live in the Indian Battle Heights and West Highlands neighbourhoods will attend that school.

The proposed boundaries would also shift those in The Crossings neighbourhood to West Coulee Station Elementary instead of Nicholas Sheran Elementary School.

The current and proposed boundaries for elementary schools in west Lethbridge. (Photo: Lethbridge School Division)

The other major change under consideration is relocating the Spanish bilingual program at Coalbanks Elementary School to West Coulee Station.

This was the most popular option that was presented to parents back in April.

Lee says West Coulee Station is set to be a much larger school that will be better able to accommodate those who want to learn in both English and Spanish.

She adds that the Division is looking into transportation options for those who wish to remain in the Spanish bilingual program.

Parents can take part in an online survey on the proposed boundary changes until October 18, 2024, which you can access here.

The school board is holding a special meeting on October 29, where a vote on the new boundaries will be expected.

If they are adopted, the new boundaries will be in effect as of the 2025-26 school year.

The full report can be read on the Lethbridge School Division website.

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