Palliser Regional Schools combatting space issues in Coaldale schools

It may not be at a critical point just yet, but the schooling capacity issue in Coaldale is generating concerns.

Palliser Regional Schools held two public meetings this year to discuss how they are going to navigate a space issue arising at the lower grades, particularly at Jennie Emery Elementary school.

“The number of students there (Jennie Emery Elementary School) have increased steadily,” Palliser Regional Schools Acting Supt. Gary Andrews said. “And we know that that number of students will move then into R.I. Baker Middle School and then will ultimately move into the high school. So the concern is at the elementary grades right now, but that’s over the long term going to impact the other schools.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The number of students there (Jennie Emery Elementary School) have increased steadily," Palliser Regional Schools Acting Supt. Gary Andrews said. "And we know that that number of students will move then into R.I. Baker Middle School and then will ultimately move into the high school. So the concern is at the elementary grades right now, but that's over the long term going to impact the other schools."

None of the five schools in Coaldale are at full capacity but Jennie Emery is at 94 per cent, while John Davidson School is at 84 per cent.

The school board needs to map out a long-term plan, but first deal with the next year or two.

“One of the suggestions that’s come in a number of times, in a variety of different ways, is accommodating the pre-school program and kindergarten program in a different building,” Andrews said.

He added the short-term plan needs to be in place by the fall and said the ideal long-term option would be to build another school in Coaldale. However, that could take some time.

“It will take a while to get a school authorized, especially in this economic climate,” Coaldale Mayor Kim Craig said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It will take a while to get a school authorized, especially in this economic climate," Coaldale Mayor Kim Craig said.

Coaldale is a growing community. The town’s population increased by nearly ten per cent between 2011 and 2016. With the growth likely to continue, the school division and the town are working together to try and accommodate schooling needs.

“The government would be more receptive to maybe fast-tracking something to fill the need in Coaldale if multiple parties come together and come up with creative solutions,” Craig said.

The school board and the town plan to meet later this month to discuss future plans.