By Sabrina Kraft
The next big project for Weyburn’s schools is a new elementary school, now that the Comp School project is nearing the finish line.
Andy Dobson, facilities manager for Southeast Cornerstone Public School Division, provided an update on his department to board members during their Thursday meeting.
One of the biggest events for the facilities department was the grand opening for the Weyburn Comprehensive School, which was held that same morning.
Dobson noted that it was a good turnout for the celebration, however there is still some work that needs to be completed.
“We have to complete a slurry seal on the east parking lot, and then we have to paint all the parking spots. There is also some signage and landscaping that also needs to be completed on the College side of the building.”
Dobson said that the Southeast College should be able to move into their new facility by May 1, depending on their lease at the City Centre Mall.
The move of school supplies and equipment from the Weyburn Junior High to the Weyburn Comp is slated for June 28.
The goal for the Southeast Cornerstone Public School Division is to build a new Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 6 elementary school, on the same land of the former Weyburn Junior High.
“It is also very important that we demolish the former Weyburn Junior High,” said Dobson. “We don’t want to heat it. Plus we want to prevent any vandalism opportunities.”
Cornerstone has not yet received provincial funding for the new elementary school.
“Currently the new elementary school is ranked second in the province for capital project funding. We are hoping that we will have a positive announcement (for funding) from the provincial budget,” said Dobson.
“The least that we will receive is approval to go to design for a new building.”
Dobson said that the design of the new elementary school will be very modern.
“The City of Weyburn is still willing to partner with the school division to attach a fieldhouse to the new elementary school.”
“So our goal is to build a two-storey school, so we can take advantage of the smaller footprint of the land available.”
In his thoughts, Dobson said they could place the older grades on the upper level of the school, with younger grades on the main level. “With the two-level school, it would tie in better with a fieldhouse.”
“We want a totally different design, one that is open and has a 21st Century feeling to it.”
School divisions are able to submit three capital projects requests into the Ministry of Education every year.
Right now for Cornerstone, the new elementary school for Weyburn is at the top of their priority list, followed by a new Pre-K to 12 school for Carlyle and renovations for Souris School.
“The problem we have with Souris School is accessibility,” said Dobson. “We want to get students out of that basement.”
At the provincial level, Souris School is ranked 24th for capital project funding.
“Since we don’t want to wait 10 or 15 years to get funding, we have considered applying for some portable classrooms.”
Dobson said that Cornerstone has a good case of health and safety that would give them portable classroom funding. “I would like to have one portable dedicated to bathrooms, and two portables dedicated to classrooms.”
“Then the basement can be used for music and storage.” He noted that portable classroom funding could be assessed within the next give years.
For future planning of other capital projects to consider, Dobson said that the Estevan Comp needs some renovations, since it is the same age as the Weyburn Comprehensive.
