Yesterday, Board Vice Chair Esther Eckert and Trustee Robyn Steed were joined by MLA Brad Rutherford, City of Beaumont Mayor Bill Daneluik and special guests for a pandemic-delayed plaque dedication ceremony at École J. E. Lapointe School.
The ceremony marked the successful completion in 2019 of the $19.5 million modernization and additions to the grades 7-9 school, which began two and a half years prior, to better accommodate the current and anticipated student population in the existing school catchment area.
“A project of this magnitude can be compared to a marathon which requires endurance, perseverance and a finish line,” said Vice Chair Esther Eckert. “The finish line for this project was out of sight for a very long time.”
“Principal Tonita, her staff and students deserve a medal for persevering through the stress, inconvenience and challenges of going through daily life in a construction zone,” added Trustee Robyn Steed. “It’s a privilege to acknowledge the sacrifices they made to provide future staff and students with a wonderful facility to work and learn in.”
“Beaumont is the fastest growing community in the Edmonton Metro region and one in four of our residents is under the age of 15. The modernization of École J.E. Lapointe School is important for our community because it gives those children a welcoming place to learn and grow,” said City of Beaumont Mayor Bill Daneluik. “I congratulate our partners at the Black Gold School Division on the completion of this project and thank the Alberta Government for investing in the future of our families and community.”
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to celebrate the modernization of École J.E. Lapointe School,” said MLA for Leduc-Beaumont Brad Rutherford. “Beaumont has seen unprecedented growth and it is critical that our school infrastructure continues to keep pace with the expanding student population in our community.”
The project included significant replacement and upgrades to the mechanical and electrical systems, including a new sprinkler; a new addition that incorporates a new gymnasium with storage and change rooms, washrooms, a physical education office; a fine arts wing that includes rooms for band, drama, and art, additional classroom space; and the replacement of four classroom modulars.
The modernization and addition were designed to organize the interior spaces so that programs such as classrooms, ancillary spaces, administration, CTF rooms, the gymnasium, and learning commons/gathering spaces are clustered together. This allows for the school space to be used by the community after hours while not impacting other areas.
“The complete modernization of École J.E. Lapointe School has meant that our students are welcomed each day to a very inviting and functional learning space,” said Principal Marla Tonita. “Everyone benefits from the diversity of areas that supports learning in science; the arts; physical, emotional, and mental health; as well as literacy and numeracy. We are all so pleased with our engaging and forward-thinking learning facility!”