Proposed New K-9 School

What is a Capital Plan?
A Capital Plan is a prioritized list of building projects created by each school board annually to address the needs of their communities over the next three years. This list is submitted to the government, which combines it with others to create a provincial Capital Plan. The provincial plan considers various factors, including:

• The health and safety impact on students
• Building conditions
• Enrollment trends

The government uses the provincial Capital Plan to decide which projects to fund as resources become available.

Has the decision already been made?
The Division has approved its 3-Year Capital Plan, naming the Gibbons School and Landing Trail School solution as its top priority. While Capital Plans can change annually, the Division is collaborating with the Town of Gibbons and engaging the community to ensure the project aligns with stakeholders' needs.

The Town of Gibbons has provided a commitment letter and proposed a plan for joint-use facilities. This partnership aims to connect the new school to the town’s recreational facility, potentially creating significant cost savings for all parties involved.

When will the new school be built?
The estimated timeline is at least five years, but this could change depending on when the government approves the project.

Will this be a P3 build?
Currently, the project is not planned as a Public-Private Partnership (P3). However, this could change based on government funding decisions.

What is the plan or vision going forward?
The engagement session on December 3, 2024, and the accompanying survey aim to gather community feedback on programming and priorities before any decisions are made.

How will the transition take place?
Students will remain at their current schools (Landing Trail and Gibbons School) until the new school is fully built and ready for occupancy.

What will happen to the two existing schools if they close?
The Town of Gibbons will take ownership of the land, and the schools will be demolished.

Will taxes increase?
School Divisions have no control over tax rates. New school funding is provided by the Government of Alberta.

Where will the new school be located?
The proposed site is west of Landing Trail School.

How will student safety be ensured with a wide range of ages (e.g., bullying or age-appropriate behaviors)?
The Division has extensive experience operating K-9 schools, such as Camilla, Guthrie, Namao, and Sturgeon Heights. These schools provide opportunities for cross-grade activities, mentorship, and positive role modeling between older and younger students.

What programming will be offered? Will programs like LOGOS and ASAP continue?
This will be determined through community engagement, including the December 3, 2024, session and survey. Feedback will guide programming decisions.

Will the school include construction and food labs?
Yes, funding for Career and Technology Studies (CTS) spaces is included for grades 7–9. The exact design will depend on community input.

What will happen to athletics programs?
Athletics programs will continue without changes. The new K-9 school will compete in the same ISC league as the current schools.

Will there still be adequate gym space?
Yes, the school will include gym space as defined by Alberta Education. A recreation center attached to the school will provide modern facilities for students while ensuring community access.

Will there be outdoor spaces for events like track meets?
Shared outdoor spaces with the Town of Gibbons will be considered in later planning phases.

Will the playground be accessible? Who will pay for it?
A $250,000 grant is available for new school playgrounds. Additional funding may need to be raised by the Parent Fundraising Society or the community. Grants, such as the Community Facility Enhancement Program, may also provide support.

Can the current playground infrastructure be moved?
This will depend on multiple factors to be reviewed before a decision is made.

How big will the school be? How many students will it accommodate?
The school will have a gross area of 7,320 square meters and a capacity for 860 students.

What happens if the town grows?
If the community grows significantly, the Division will revisit its Capital Plan to assess the need for additional schools or potentially a reconfiguration of the K-9 school.

What will the attendance boundaries be?
The current attendance boundaries for Landing Trail and Gibbons School will remain unless a boundary review is required in the future.

Will Sturgeon Learning Centre (SLC) be included in the design?
Yes, the Division is considering including SLC with its own entrance and dedicated area.

What will happen to staff at the new school?
Staffing decisions cannot be determined at this time as the project is at least five years away.

What will happen to the school mascots, colors, and athletics programs?
These elements will be part of future community engagement sessions if the government approves the new school.

What will happen to the school mascots, colors, and athletics programs?
These elements will be part of future community engagement sessions if the government approves the new school.

What will the busing boundaries be? Will fees or travel times change?
Transportation funding and eligibility are defined by Alberta Education, not the Division. The small change in the school’s location is unlikely to significantly impact families.