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Space for Our Students – Making Room for Students in Growing Neighbourhoods

Mon, 2 Dec, 2013

Space for Our Students

If you’ve been to one of the newer areas of the city, you’ll know there are more families and more communities than ever before. Over the last few years, many of our schools in newer neighbourhoods have become very full because these areas of the city are growing so quickly. Since 2005, 46 new neighbourhoods are being served by Edmonton Public Schools. Over 11,000 of students who attend Edmonton Public Schools live in these newer areas.

Many schools have even had to take unusual measures to meet the needs of students, including increasing class sizes and using gyms, stages and libraries as learning space. Unfortunately, these measures are not realistic long-term solutions for healthy and quality learning. To address the issue, the District has looked at the limitations and opportunities those schools are facing, including current and future pressures, and prepared a plan with several options on how to address the issue.

This is called the District Accommodation Plan for New and Developing Neighbourhoods. Its purpose is to look which schools are full or almost full and offer some options to solve the problem.

A Space for Our Students site has been launched on the Edmonton Public Schools website giving an overview of the Plan.  It includes background information; the schools and neighbourhoods being looked at in the accommodation plan; and a list of options being considered. There is also a link to a survey where stakeholders can find the school or area where they live and provide input and feedback on the options that have been developed, as well as suggestions.  The survey will be open until January 17, 2014.

Edmonton Public Schools’ Board of Trustees and its Superintendent value your input and feedback. We’re looking forward to working with you as we consider the options to make sure students in newer areas of the city are all enjoying high quality learning environments.