By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

decision coming this fall

Phase 3 begins for Wolf Creek boundary and grade configuration review

Oct 13, 2022 | 11:09 AM

Phase 3 of a review into boundaries and grade configuration for Wolf Creek Public Schools has begun.

The division’s board of trustees is closely examining feedback from teachers and staff, parents and families before the final decision this fall.

The review affects schools in Blackfalds and Lacombe, and started with Phase 1 in January 2022 with the board engaging parents and staff.

The review is necessary due to Iron Ridge Secondary Campus (IRSC), the new high school in Blackfalds currently under construction, which will open in fall 2024.

The new school in Blackfalds will impact enrolment at École Secondaire Lacombe Composite High School (ÉSLCHS) in Lacombe, as high school students residing in Blackfalds currently attend ÉSLCHS, but will attend IRSC when it opens.

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Phase 2 in May included an online survey and two open houses.

Four alternatives were presented, the division explains: two with expanded boundaries and two with the boundaries remaining the same but including grades 10-12 in Blackfalds. The alternatives also explored two different grade configurations for Blackfalds: one with two K-5s, one 6-8 and a 9-12, and the other with two K-3s, one 4-6 and one 7-12.

“No decision has been made at this point, and the feedback gathered in Phase 2 is invaluable to allow for some concerted reflection on how best to proceed, and frame a fulsome discussion for the Board,” said Tim De Ruyck, WCPS Superintendent.

Feedback in Phase 2 showed strong support for expanding the boundaries.

[Respondents] viewed the benefits of distributing enrolment between Blackfalds and Lacombe more equitable, increasing enrollment from the rural areas of Lacombe County resulting in shorter bus rides and ensuring long-term sustainability of the schools in both communities, a release explains.

There was also very strong support for configuring the new high school in Blackfalds as a 9-12 with mentions describing this age grouping as most appropriate. At the same time, there were significant concerns about having two elementary schools in Blackfalds with the same grade configuration.

“We appreciate the range of perspectives that was expressed through this public consultation. There is a lot to consider for the Board, from feedback to enrollment projections and operational pressures,” says De Ruyck.

“There is unfortunately not a scenario that can guarantee a solution for the long term, but the goal is to address the attendance boundaries for Lacombe and Blackfalds and the grade configuration in Blackfalds schools in the most sensible way as a step forward.”

Next steps include analyzing the consultant’s report from May 2022, with a decision anticipated before the holiday break in December.