Students will have more space to learn with the addition of two modular classrooms at Normandeau School for the 2013-2014 school year.
Red Deer Public Schools was approved for four modulars but rejected the two earmarked for West Park Elementary School because of the high cost of installation, transportation and link construction.
Board chairman Lawrence Lee said installing all four modulars would have depleted the district’s capital reserves. Lee said they had budgeted $285,996, half of the estimated cost, but have since learned the board’s share has risen to $352,389.
In the past, the government covered the costs but the new policy mandates the school jurisdictions must foot 50 per cent of the bill.
Lee said the size of the link between the kindergarten to Grade 8 school and the modulars is twice as large as what is considered normal and what the province is willing to support.
“It’s a shame we had to turn down 60 learning spaces,” said Lee. “We will just keep lobbying the government and advocating for a new school.”
Each modular classroom fits between 25 and 30 students. The modulars will be delivered and installed this summer.