Milk River school modernization project nears completion

Posted on October 3, 2024 by admin

By Cal Braid
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

 A modernization project at Milk River Elementary School is nearing its finish line. Once it wraps up, all the early learning to grade 12 students will be transitioning from Erle Rivers High School to the elementary school, which will operate as Milk River Ridge School and serve the full range of the student body, from kids to high school seniors.

 On Sept. 23, Horizon School Division board chair Marie Logan sent a letter to the families of the students informing them that the board of trustees passed a motion regarding the permanent closure of Erle Rivers High School and the transfer of students to Milk River Ridge School. Board member Bruce Francis moved to forgo the notice of motion and further public input and permanently close ERHS upon the completion of MRRS later this school year.

 Francis also motioned to direct the superintendent to commence the permanent transfer of all students and staff from one school to the other once the division regains possession of the newly modernized school. The effective date of the closure and notification to parents of every student enrolled in the school must comply with the school closure and the Education Act.

 Logan said, “While the exact date of the closure and transfer is not known at this time, the board anticipates that students will be returning from the Christmas break to Milk River Ridge School. School administration will be communicating confirmation of this date closer to the Christmas break.”

 “Once students have been transferred, Erle Rivers High School will be demolished as per the government contract with Ward Bros and land will be designated as surplus and disposed of as per the following board motion, board policy, and government statutes,” Logan said in the letter. The demolition is expected to occur in the spring of 2025.

 Francis motioned to designate the land that ERHS sits on as surplus land (not including the fields).  As part of the motion, the superintendent will proceed with seeking ministerial approval for disposition of the property to the Town of Milk River.

 “This is an exciting time for the students, staff, and community of Milk River as we formally announce the opening of the new school,” Logan said. “We thank you for your patience and financial support as we partner and work collaboratively to enhance educational opportunities for your children for the foreseeable future.”