Two Drayton Valley schools proposed for upgrades in Wild Rose School Division’s capital plan

Two Drayton Valley schools, Aurora Elementary and Frank Maddock High, are listed as capital plan priorities for the Wild Rose School Division (WRSD).

The WRSD Board recently approved its 2027-2030 Capital Plan, which includes four priorities:

1. Right size of Town of Rocky Mountain House elementary schools, including demolishing the current Lochearn building and the current École Rocky building.
2. Modernization of Aurora Elementary School
3. Modernization and right size of Caroline School
4. Modernization of Frank Maddock High School

The Aurora Elementary School building was constructed in 1992, and the following upgrades are proposed to modernize the building to current standards:

• Update the building envelope, including stucco replacement, skylight replacement, window replacement and insulation upgrades.
• Update interior finishes.
• Update structural components to resolve floor deviation and movement.
• Update mechanical systems, such as ventilation, controls, piping and washroom fixtures, to provide appropriate temperature control, efficient operation and renewal of aging infrastructure.
• Update and add electrical components to provide a modern, low-maintenance school facility.

With a maximum capacity of 477 students and 332 students enrolled in the 2025-26 school year, the division notes that the school currently operates at about 71 per cent utilization. If the proposed upgrades are completed, Alberta Education and Childcare and Alberta Infrastructure reportedly expect that to improve to 90 per cent.

Frank Maddock High School was built in 1971 and later expanded in 1977, 1982 and 1998. A major modernization was also done in 2000 to the original 1971 components and the 1977 addition.

The division says the current building configuration does not meet modern guidelines from Alberta Education and Childcare and Alberta Infrastructure. The plan says Career and Technology Studies (CTS) spaces are oversized for the school’s capacity and student population, whereas the gym is undersized.

Its utilization rate is also reportedly low, at about 58 per cent.

The following upgrades are proposed:

Mechanical

• Air handling units and associated ductwork
• Exhaust fans
• Heating and domestic water piping
• Control valves
• HVAC controls

Electrical

• Motor controls
• Lighting systems
• Electrical distribution systems
• Panelboards

Fire/Life/Safety Systems

• Sprinkler system
• Fire alarm system
• Building communication components

Building Envelope

• Exterior walls
• Windows
• Exterior and overhead doors

Interior Finishes and Equipment

• Flooring
• Ceiling
• Paint
• Lockers

These capital priorities will be submitted to Alberta Education and Childcare, which determines final project approval based on provincial priorities.

Superintendent Jodie Mattia says she is hopeful they will be approved, but understands that with many schools in urban centres above 120 per cent capacity, it’s likely other projects will have higher priority.

Meantime, the division is still in the process of determining whether and how it will charge transportation fees next school year, pending a budget shortfall. While the province recently released budget information as a whole, WRSD is still waiting to receive its specific funding profile.

“At that time we’ll have a much better idea in regards to the cost of the fees,” Mattia comments.

A final decision will be made in April.