Northern Lights Public Schools is moving ahead on several major school projects across the region, while also asking the community to help name a new school in Lac La Biche.

Those were some of the key takeaways from the board’s March 25 meeting, where trustees reviewed capital plans, upcoming school tours and next steps for new infrastructure.

 

Major school projects moving forward

An updated Three-Year Capital Plan shows multiple projects progressing, supported in part by the province’s Schools Now program.

A replacement school for Vera M. Welsh in Lac La Biche is now under construction, while planning continues for other major projects across the division.

That includes a long-discussed solution for Cold Lake South schools, which involves upgrades for Art Smith Aviation Academy (ASAA), North Star Elementary School and Cold Lake Junior High, as well as a new school for Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement.

Several modernization projects were also added as priorities, including:

• École Plamondon, a project identified as a need for more than 20 years
• Kikino School
• H.E. Bourgoin School
• A safer front entrance at Duclos School

The plan reflects ongoing pressure for both new builds and upgrades across the division as communities grow and facilities age.

 

Community to help name new Lac La Biche school

The division is now entering the final stage of naming its new elementary school being built near the Bold Centre in Lac La Biche.

After receiving 83 suggestions from the public, two names have been shortlisted:

• Northern Skies Elementary School
• Lac La Biche Elementary School

Trustees have approved a final round of community feedback following Spring Break before making a final decision.

Trustees heading into communities

Board members will also be out in the region this spring, visiting schools and connecting directly with staff and students.

Scheduled tour dates include:

• April 13 – Cold Lake schools
• April 14 – Bonnyville area schools
• April 16 – Lac La Biche area schools

The tours are part of the board’s ongoing effort to stay connected with local schools and better understand on-the-ground needs across the division.

 

Looking ahead

With construction underway, planning in motion and community engagement ongoing, the board’s latest meeting signals continued investment in education infrastructure across northeastern Alberta.

The coming months are expected to bring further updates on project timelines, the Cold Lake South school solution and the final name selection for the new Lac La Biche elementary school.