Prairie Valley School Division Pushes for New Schools Amid Growth

The Prairie Valley School Division is advocating for new school construction in response to increasing enrolment pressures in White City and Emerald Park. The two elementary schools currently serving these communities are operating at full capacity, while students must travel to Greenall High School in nearby Balgonie for their secondary education. This situation has prompted the division to prioritize the construction of a new school in the area.

Janet Kotylak, chair of the Prairie Valley board, confirmed that a new school in the White City–Emerald Park area is at the top of their request list for this year. “On our list for this year is a new school in the White City–Emerald Park area, an elementary school in the Lumsden area, and the consolidation of two schools in the Grenfell area into one K to 12,” she stated.

The division has previously submitted funding requests to the provincial government that have not been approved. This year, however, they are taking a different approach. By requesting a school without specifying the grade configuration, they aim to remain flexible to better assess the needs of the growing population.

“We know that we are going to need a school in that area and we know there’s growth,” Kotylak added. “We’re keeping our options open so that we can, at the time, assess what’s the best route to go.”

While the province has approved a $21 million project to modernize Greenall High School, which will slightly expand its capacity, local officials argue that this upgrade does not address the pressing need for a high school closer to White City and Emerald Park.

Mitch Simpson, Mayor of White City, highlighted the impact of ongoing residential growth on local schools. “White City continues to experience residential growth, and enrolment pressures within the existing schools are increasing as more families want to make White City and the White City community their home,” he noted.

The prospect of new school construction hinges on provincial approval, which is expected to be included in the spring budget. The Saskatchewan NDP has expressed support for the projects. “In White City and Emerald Park, year one, Carla Beck and the Saskatchewan NDP will have those schools under construction. Full stop,” said Aleana Young, NDP Member of the Legislative Assembly.

Officials from the Prairie Valley School Division assert that the modernization of Greenall High School does not negate the necessity for additional schools in the region. They emphasize that the ongoing rapid growth across the area underscores the urgent need for expanded educational facilities.

Discussions with the provincial government are set to continue as the division assesses its next construction priorities. As enrolment numbers rise, the need for timely action in addressing these educational demands becomes increasingly critical.