Above: The Edmonton Public School Board approved its biggest budget ever to prepare for more students. Laurel Gregory has more on one decision that has parents excited.
EDMONTON – The Edmonton Public School Board unanimously approved the construction of a replacement school at the Rundle School site Tuesday evening, as recommended by the district.
In January, the province announced funding for a new K-9 school in a mature neighbourhood that would consolidate three or more schools into a new facility.
On June 17, after speaking with parents and the communities, the district recommended the schools in the Greater Lawton area (Lawton, R.J. Scott, and Rundle schools) close to make way for the new school.
On Tuesday, the Public School Board approved a motion to consider the closure of Lawton, R.J. Scott and Rundle schools. That recommendation will be voted on by the board in late summer or fall.
Edmonton Public says the older schools will be kept open until the new school is built.
“We’re really glad all three communities came out and participated in the consultation meetings,” said EPSB Chair Sarah Hoffman. “We want to work with every community to deliver excellent public education. We are very excited to invest $20 million into the Greater Lawton neighbourhood.”
When the district’s recommendation was announced, Managing Director Lorne Parker said the Greater Lawton community was the most interested in having the new K-9 replacement school, compared to the two other areas being considered, Greater Westmount and Greater Highlands.
“I would say that overwhelmingly… from the consultative process, that the community supports a new school,” said Parker on June 17. “They don’t want a modernization; they want a new school in that community.”
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