Government on board with PRPS switch to new Redcliff school

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on February 14, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

Prairie Rose Public Schools has received confirmation regarding its decision to pursue the construction of a new school replacement project in Redcliff.

In November of last year, the trustees passed a motion to redirect an initial capital project request, which was for a modernization of the current Parkside Jr High School, to a new school facility that would be located in the Eastside subdivision of Redcliff.

An update was provided to the board this week, citing a letter received from Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides, which confirms and approves the request to change the scope, and to use current funding for planning and design.

The budget for the project will be decided once the new school project goes for tender.

“This change in plans provides mutual advantages to both Prairie Rose and the Town of Redcliff,” says board vice chair Patty Rooks. “We’ll be able to provide our students with the benefits of a new school, and to avoid the need to find a place for students during the modernization that was proposed in the 2025-2026 school year.”

As previously discussed with the Town of Redcliff, the town will be responsible for completing servicing to the site, and has already begun a “site readiness checklist,” says PRPS.

“As a board, we are looking forward to working with the Town of Redcliff and to get the planning and development in the area moving ahead, and we’re looking forward and thankful for the support from the ministry as we work with the details of this project and changes to it. As we get more information, we will, of course, be sharing that with the public,” said Rooks.

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