Board highlights - March 11, 2025
Chinook’s Edge Board approves 2026-2029 Capital Plan
The Chinook’s Edge Board of Trustees has approved the division’s 2026-2029 Capital Plan. The plan ranks requested school building and renovation projects based on current demographics, anticipated community growth, the utilization rate of existing facilities and their condition. The plan is submitted to Alberta Infrastructure for consideration. It will be placed on the Chinook’s Edge website, here.
The Capital Plan includes the following priorities:
1. New Grade 10-12 high school in Sylvan Lake
2. Modernization of Innisfail High School
3. New elementary school in Olds
4. New middle school in Carstairs or modernization of Hugh Sutherland School
5. New K-8 school in Liberty Landing (Gasoline Alley)
Current utilization at H.J. Cody High School in Sylvan Lake is 106 percent and within two years is anticipated to be 115 percent. The population in the community has increased by 17 percent in a 10 year period. The Board has listed this request to the province as urgent.
Board receives Transportation quarterly update
Trustees were informed of the increasing costs of transportation that are happening throughout the province. This includes the cost of purchasing buses which is up by more than 10 per cent. The Board is hoping that there will be an increase in provincial funding that covers the rising costs in transportation.
Board appoints Jason Drent as the Corporate Secretary
The Board appointed Jason Drent as Corporate Secretary, effective July 1, 2025. The current Corporate Secretary, Shawn Russell, is retiring on that date. Jason Drent is currently Associate Superintendent of Learning Services.
Trustees looking forward to meeting with Red Deer County
Trustees are happy to be meeting with Red Deer County council on March 12. The Board appreciates the chance to meet with municipal partners regularly. The Board plans to update council on the Chinook’s Edge Capital Plan, and discuss opportunities to partner with Red Deer County council.
Board congratulates Kathy Kemmere for national award
Trustees congratulated fellow board member, Kathy Kemmere, for receiving a King Charles III Coronation Medal. Kemmere received the award for her contributions in health care. Also, her work as a trustee was noted by her Nominator - Member of Parliament for Red Deer - Mountain View, Earl Dreeshen.