Minister of Education announces $10 million for upgrading at CCHS

The Hon. Ron Liepert, Board Chair Cheryl Smith and MLA Leroy Johnson

With this project on the “approved” list, BRSD will be able to upgrade facilities that currently serve the 700 students at CCHS as well as the additional 700 junior high students who travel to the school weekly for CTS programs.
Following is a brief summary of the Comp’s modernization history:

• Camrose Composite High School opened in 1963.
• CTS facilities were completed in 1968.
• Complete modernization of the school was approved in the mid-1980s.
• Phase One was completed in 1991 and Phase Two in 1993. These projects included addition of a new gymnasium and library, a commons area, a computer lab and upgrades to existing classroom spaces.
• Government austerity measures in the 1990s led to the cancellation of the remainder of the work, leaving the Career and Technology Studies programs, and some other spaces, in their original state. This includes:
  • Automotive shop (Mechanics)
  • Building construction lab (Construction Technology)
  • Hair dressing lab (Cosmetology)
  • Design and clothing lab (Fashion Studies)
  • Graphic Arts (Communication Technology)
  • Drama facilities
  • East gymnasium
  • Welding shop (Fabrication Studies)
  • Food preparation labs (Food Studies)
  • Multi-purpose CTS spaces for junior high programs

“The timing of this modernization project is very appropriate,” Board Chair Cheryl Smith told the August 30 gathering. “Labour markets are stretched and skilled workers at a premium. Facilities that help our communities better address that issue are certainly timely.

“In addition, we’re to have new facilities at the same time as we are entering an era of new leadership – here at CCHS with new principal Jim Ofrim; in our school division with a new Superintendent; and even in the province, with our new Premier, and new Minister. This project gives us a renewed focus and sense of engagement, with which we are sure to achieve renewed results as we continually strive for ways that all students can be successful.”

Even as we look forward with such anticipation,” she added, “we must take a moment to look back with gratitude. We owe a sincere word of thanks to MLA LeRoy Johnson and to former Battle River School Division Board Chairs Brenda Herder, Gwenda Poyser and Michelle Mulder, retiring Superintendent Dr. Warren Phillips, retiring CCHS Principal Max Lindstrand and long-time CTS supervisor Sherman Sundbo for all their efforts in making this day happen.”

Dr. Larry Payne, the new Superintendent of Battle River School Division, was also pleased with the announcement. [‘We have worked collaboratively with Alberta Education to obtain this funding and it’s great to see that the efforts of the Board and past Admin team have paid off. “
 

“I was encouraged to hear Minister Liepert speak about the importance of ensuring that all students in the Province of Alberta receive equal educational opportunities, regardless of where they live.”
 

The school division will now begin to work with government officials to create a plan of action. This will include determining such things as:

• Scope of the project
• Timelines
• How students, staff and programs will be impacted during the modernization process.

Battle River School Division is committed to ensuring that all decisions are made in the best interests of meeting students’ needs today and in the future.

For More Information, Contact:

Diane Hutchinson

Phone: (780) 672-6131 (Ext. 5248)