A new elementary school for east Red Deer is now in the works and a decision as to where to build will soon be made.

The Board of Trustees will choose from potential sites in the neighbourhoods of Davenport and Timberlands during the regular meeting on Sept. 14 at 7:45 p.m.

A number of years ago the District had been thinking about building a school in the Aspen Ridge neighbourhood. Given housing trends and the future growth of the City and increasing student enrollment data, the District is now considering either the Davenport or Timberlands location.

Of the two choices the Davenport site will be located on Dempsey St., north of 39th St. and west of Drummond Close. The Timberlands site will be located at the east end of Timothy Dr., north of 61 St. and east of 30th Ave.

The new school will be opened in three years and will allow the district to plan for student accommodations in the east end.

“We are looking to build for tomorrow,” said Piet Langstraat, superintendent of schools. “With the school scheduled to open in 2014, we are anticipating where our greatest needs are going to be and building accordingly.”

Over the last several years new school locations have been a significant issue facing the District, particularly in the elementary schools on the east side of Red Deer.

District administration has recommended to the board that they approve the Timberlands site for the new location of the school, but a decision has yet to be made.

More information of the choices available will be made to the public to provide opportunities for input prior to the decision made by the board.

Further information on site choices for the new elementary school location can be viewed under the ‘News’ tab on the district home pate at: www.rdpsd.ab.ca.

-Sigurdson