Southeast Kootenay School District (SD5) is exploring options for the future of Amy Woodland Elementary School, including a complete rebuild, partial rebuild or moving students to other schools.
On June 30, 2024, a suspicious fire caused structural damage to the gymnasium and smoke damage throughout the building.
The school has been closed since, and students have been distributed to other facilities throughout Cranbrook.
“The students, staff, and families of Amy Woodland Elementary have shown incredible resilience in the face of such a major disruption,” said Superintendent Viveka Johnson.
“We are committed to keeping the community informed and involved as we take these critical steps forward.”
SD5 says the Ministry of Education and Child Care and the Ministry of Infrastructure have supported work to assess the building and decide what should be done.
This is anticipated to take 12 to 15 months, culminating in a project definition report or a business case.
“This report will guide the District, the Ministry, and community stakeholders in determining the most feasible and forward-looking option for continuing the legacy of Amy Woodland Elementary,” said SD5.
Currently, the school district is exploring three possible options:
1. Complete replacement and rebuild with a smaller school
This will involve a complete rebuild of the school, but the finished structure will be smaller. The new structure will likely have a capacity of 40 kindergarten students plus 200 primary students, compared to 40 kindergarten spaces plus 325 primary students.
“The reduced size is a result of anticipated long-term decline in enrolment projections. A new facility would focus on enhanced energy efficiency and inclusive learning spaces tailored to evolving educational needs,” said SD5.
2. Rebuilding damaged areas
SD5 officials say structural engineers have confirmed extensive damage to the gymnasium, with smoke damage throughout the building.
“This option would see the damaged portions of the existing building, such as the gym and surrounding infrastructure, completely rebuilt to modern standards while preserving portions of the undamaged structure, where possible,” said the school district.
The school would remain the same size as it currently is.
3. Additions to neighbouring schools
This option would involve potential expansions of nearby schools to accommodate displaced Amy Woodland students.
“The expansions will be focused on adding onto the existing school’s footprint with permanent structures and will not be portable classrooms,” said SD5.
“Transportation logistics and catchment considerations will be central to this approach.”
Further details on this option will be shared once the school district has more information.
“Community input and transparency will be integral as the District progresses through the PDR process. Once the report is finalized and reviewed, a preferred path forward will be shared with the public, along with timelines and implementation details,” said SD5.
“In the meantime, bussing for former Amy Woodland students will remain in place for those attending other schools across Cranbrook, and support for families navigating out-of-catchment placement continues.”
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