The staff, students and administration at Racette School welcomed news of funding for a “full modernization” of Racette School. The province also announced plans to build a new school to replace the Two Hills Mennonite School on Friday.
“From the initial announcement in August of 2004 until today’s funding announcement to complete the final phase, it has been one of those roads that has had its share of bumps, ups and downs and even the odd detour,” said Darrell Younghans, chairman of St. Paul Education Regional Division (SPERD), during the presentation.
“I personally know the importance that Mr. Danyluk places on education and community and it is solely because of his vision and his persistence that we have seen over $45 million spent on schools in this town alone, not to mention the benefits to other schools throughout this constituency.”
The projects are part of a $550 million dollar funding blitz announced by outgoing Premier Ed Stelmach on Tuesday to build or modernize 35 schools. According to a government press release, the projects are part of an ongoing provincial investment in school infrastructure and are being distributed to top priorities to ensure dollars are directed to critical areas.
“We have the best facilities in St. Paul, in rural Alberta. That is not a complement to me but to the board, the parent councils and to yourself,” said Danyluk to a gathering of parents, students and education representatives at Racette School on Friday morning.
Danyluk said he will not state the dollar amount for either project because they will be delivered through public-private partnerships and regional bundles, after the announcement. The modernization will include everything the board needs, including upgrades to mechanical systems such as heating and electrical as well as improvements to Career and Technology Studies, he said.
“The funding that was asked for will be there,” said Danyluk in his announcement at Racette. “The important thing is to do it right.”
He recommended the board, the school administration and the parent council re-visit plans and make sure the school is designed for the future needs of students.
“Go back, look at it again, make sure the students have a look at it, make sure the community has a look at it,” Danyluk said. “Whatever we do we need to do for tomorrow as well. Plan for the future.”
Rhonda Lafrance, school board representative for Racette School, said she is thrilled the St. Paul solution is now a final solution.
“This is the best thing for our students for today and for tomorrow,” said Lafrance.
The new school planned for Two Hills will be designed for 550 students and will be completed by the fall of 2014.
Danyluk concluded his presentation by saying Racette is one of the best older schools in the province.
