Project 4: Sector 5 Value Scoping Session
The Division is exploring possible solutions to improve the schools’ utilization rates in Vegreville. Currently, EIPS has two schools in Vegreville that serve students living in the western portion of Minburn County and the Town of Vegreville. A.L. Horton Elementary is the elementary school. It offers kindergarten to Grade 6. Vegreville Composite High is the secondary school, providing programming for students in grades 7 through 12.
Over the last few years, both schools have experienced a significant drop in enrolment, affecting program delivery and facility operations. As such, EIPS has included the region in its Three-Three-Year Capital Plan—requesting provincial funding to conduct a value scoping session with community stakeholders in Vegreville and area. Value scoping is a proven public engagement method to explore alternative solutions that provide a high value for money and maximize the utilization and functionality of school infrastructure. Generally, the input helps ensure a broad range of perspectives are considered in developing and evaluating potential options. In March 2022, Alberta Education granted the Division’s funding request. As such, the Division hosted a two-day value-scoping session for the region—on September 12 and September 14.
Facilitated by START Architecture, the sessions included representatives from the Government of Alberta, the EIPS Board of Trustees, EIPS administration, A.L. Horton Elementary, Vegreville Composite High, school councils and the Town of Vegreville, the County of Minburn and the Village of Andrew. Collectively, the group discussed ways to optimize learning environments for students at the two schools while also ensuring high-quality educational program delivery. The report from the value-scoping session is now complete and was presented to the EIPS Board of Trustees at the public meeting on January 19.
EIPS encourages everyone to review and share the report and the background information. The Board used the report and feedback from the session to develop a community-derived solution and included it in its Three-Year Capital Plan.