Proposed New K-9 School

Why Have We Proposed Building a New K-9 School in Gibbons?

With both Gibbons School and Landing Trail School facing extensive renovation needs, building a new K-9 school will provide a modern solution that meets the needs of students, families, and our growing community.

The new school will:

  • Replace Aging Infrastructure: The current schools have large deferred maintenance costs and outdated facilities. A new, purpose-built facility will be safer, more efficient, and designed for modern educational needs.
  • Support Enhanced Learning Opportunities: With specialized spaces for Career and Technology Foundations (CTF) and more flexible, well-lit classrooms, students will have access to enriched programs and learning environments.
  • Promote Health and Safety: The new building will address deficiencies in health and safety standards, including updated ventilation, natural light, and safe, modern classrooms for all students.
  • Save on Long-Term Costs: Partnering with the Town of Gibbons, this project is a financially responsible investment that will replace two aging schools with one efficient, shared-use campus. The Town of Gibbons has secured a future-ready site that accommodates population growth and connects the school with community recreational facilities.

Our goal is to create a vibrant, efficient school that serves both current and future generations, supporting student success and community wellness.

We Want Your Input

Our schools belong to the communities we serve, and your voice is essential as we shape the proposed K-9 school. This new school will bring together two existing schools, and we want to ensure its design and features meet the needs of our students and reflect the unique values of our community.

If you missed the first engagement event on December 3, 2024, you can still influence key decisions by completing the online survey. Your feedback will help shape the future of this project, ensuring it aligns with our community’s vision and priorities.

Please take a moment to complete the survey and share your thoughts. Together, we can create a school that best serves our students and community.

School Amalgamation Survey

Decision Making

Decisions that have already been made

  • To prepare a plan for closing Landing Trail School and Gibbons School and amalgamating into one K-9 school
  • Building a new school

The Board has given direction for these changes, and will make the final approval at their meeting in March 2025.

Decisions that are being made by Administration 

That the public can inform: 

  • Programming offered
  • Design of the new school
  • Transitioning from two schools to one
  • Transportation

That the public cannot inform: 

  • Location of the new school building
  • Where on the final site the school will be located
  • Grade configuration of the new school
  • Whether SPS receives funding for this project

Decision that is being made by the Province

The ministry of Education will prioritize all projects submitted by Alberta school boards.

The Provincial Capital Planning group evaluates capital project submissions from all Departments and puts forward recommendations for funding to Cabinet. Cabinet gives final approval of projects receiving funding. It is anticipated that the division will be notified of this early 2026.

Decisions that are outside the scope of this decision making process 

Operating + Maintenance Budget 

Ongoing school building operation and maintenance needs and decisions are not part of this process. Funding for this is provided to the division by the Province through separate plant operations and maintenance funding programs. 

Increasing Student Enrolment 

While some of the changes that may result from this planning process may attract new students and families to the Division, this is not the main intent of this project. Significant population growth is projected for the Town of Gibbons in the next 10 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Decision Making

What is a Capital Plan?
A Capital Plan is a prioritized list of building projects created by each school board annually to address the needs of their communities over the next three years. This list is submitted to the government, which combines it with others to create a provincial Capital Plan. The provincial plan considers various factors, including:

  • The health and safety impact on students
  • Building conditions
  • Enrollment trends

The government uses the provincial Capital Plan to decide which projects to fund as resources become available.

Has the decision already been made?
The Division has approved its 3-Year Capital Plan, naming the Gibbons School and Landing Trail School solution as its top priority. While Capital Plans can change annually, the Division is collaborating with the Town of Gibbons and engaging the community to ensure the project aligns with stakeholders' needs.

The Town of Gibbons has provided a commitment letter and proposed a plan for joint-use facilities. This partnership aims to connect the new school to the town’s recreational facility, potentially creating significant cost savings for all parties involved.

When will the new school be built?
The estimated timeline is at least five years, but this could change depending on when the government approves the project.

Will this be a P3 build?
Currently, the project is not planned as a Public-Private Partnership (P3). However, this could change based on government funding decisions.

What is the plan or vision going forward?
The engagement session on December 3, 2024, and the accompanying survey aim to gather community feedback on programming and priorities before any decisions are made.

How will the transition take place?
Students will remain at their current schools (Landing Trail and Gibbons School) until the new school is fully built and ready for occupancy.

What will happen to the two existing schools if they close?
The Town of Gibbons will take ownership of the land, and the schools will be demolished.

Will taxes increase?
School Divisions have no control over tax rates. New school funding is provided by the Government of Alberta.

 

Location

Where will the new school be located?
The proposed site is west of Landing Trail School.

Safety

How will student safety be ensured with a wide range of ages (e.g., bullying or age-appropriate behaviors)?
The Division has extensive experience operating K-9 schools, such as Camilla, Guthrie, Namao, and Sturgeon Heights. These schools provide opportunities for cross-grade activities, mentorship, and positive role modeling between older and younger students.

Programming

What programming will be offered? Will programs like LOGOS and ASAP continue?
This will be determined through community engagement, including the December 3, 2024, session and survey. Feedback will guide programming decisions.

Will the school include construction and food labs?
Yes, funding for Career and Technology Studies (CTS) spaces is included for grades 7–9. The exact design will depend on community input.

What will happen to athletics programs?
Athletics programs will continue without changes. The new K-9 school will compete in the same ISC league as the current schools.

Facilities (Gymnasium)

Will there still be adequate gym space?
Yes, the school will include gym space as defined by Alberta Education. A recreation center attached to the school will provide modern facilities for students while ensuring community access.

Will there be outdoor spaces for events like track meets?
Shared outdoor spaces with the Town of Gibbons will be considered in later planning phases.

Facilities (Other)

Will the playground be accessible? Who will pay for it?
A $250,000 grant is available for new school playgrounds. Additional funding may need to be raised by the Parent Fundraising Society or the community. Grants, such as the Community Facility Enhancement Program, may also provide support.

Can the current playground infrastructure be moved?
This will depend on multiple factors to be reviewed before a decision is made.

Size

How big will the school be? How many students will it accommodate?
The school will have a gross area of 7,320 square meters and a capacity for 860 students.

What happens if the town grows?
If the community grows significantly, the Division will revisit its Capital Plan to assess the need for additional schools or potentially a reconfiguration of the K-9 school.

What will the attendance boundaries be?
The current attendance boundaries for Landing Trail and Gibbons School will remain unless a boundary review is required in the future.

Will Sturgeon Learning Centre (SLC) be included in the design?
Yes, the Division is considering including SLC with its own entrance and dedicated area.

School Community

What will happen to staff at the new school?
Staffing decisions cannot be determined at this time as the project is at least five years away.

What will happen to the school mascots, colors, and athletics programs?
These elements will be part of future community engagement sessions if the government approves the new school.

What will happen to the school mascots, colors, and athletics programs?
These elements will be part of future community engagement sessions if the government approves the new school.

Transportation

What will the busing boundaries be? Will fees or travel times change?
Transportation funding and eligibility are defined by Alberta Education, not the Division. The small change in the school’s location is unlikely to significantly impact families.