Alexander First Nation breaks ground on Kipohtakaw Education Centre’s modernization

Front row from left: Cory Arcand – Principal of Kipohtakaw Education Centre (KEC), Jamie Brown -Indigenous Services Canada Regional Director General, George Jr. Arcand – Chief of Alexander First Nation, Jody Kootenay –Director of Education, Cory Jodoin – Jen-Col President, Claudia Yehia-Alaeddin – Principal Architect- Reimagine. Back row left to right: Audra Arcand – AFN Councillor, Chris Arcand – AFN Councillor, Heather Jennings – AFN Councillor, Verna Arcand – Assistant Director of Education, Matt Murphey – Reimagine. Not Shown: Kevin Arcand – AFN Councillor, Scott Burnstick – AFN Councillor. – Submitted Photo

First built in 1992 and renovated in 2017, Alexander First Nation broke ground on the Kipohtakaw Education Centre’s modernization and additions project Tuesday morning.

The $13.8 million project is anticipated to be completed by June 2024 and will see 1600 square metres of modernization on the original 3,703 square metre school and an additional 975 square metres added to the building’s primary school wing.

Alexander First Nation’s education department experienced a major growth in the student population. As such, Indigenous Services Canada is funding the additions. Kipohtakaw Education Centre currently has 248 students from kindergarten to Grade 12, 32 teachers, 22 assistant teachers, and seven administrators. The school anticipates an enrollment of 379 by 2025.

“The design of the modernization and addition captures the vision of the school as it moves towards a 21st Century Learning Framework, empowering a safe, enabling, and nurturing environment for students and staff regardless of individual challenges, and providing quality education opportunities for all members of the school and larger community,” said Education Director Jody Kootenay in a media release.

Construction for the expansion and modernization will be performed primarily by Jen-Col Construction LTD. with the services of other contractors as required.

 

 

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