CBE is Open to Accepting Expressions of Interest for New Downtown Space for W.H. Cushing Workplace School

Dec. 11, 2014

For immediate release

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Backgrounder

CALGARY— The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) is open to accepting expressions of interest for a unique partnership from corporations to house a downtown workplace school.

The CBE has had a successful relationship with Telus for the past 19 years for use of space on the main floor of the Len Werry building for the W.H. Cushing Workplace School. However, due to redevelopment of the north side of the 100 block of 7 Avenue S.W. as part of the Telus’ Sky building project, the current lease agreement will expire on July 31, 2016.

“We are working with parents to look for solutions for this accommodation challenge. As part of this, the CBE is open to accepting expressions of interest from any corporation in downtown Calgary that has appropriate space for a school and would see this as an opportunity,” said Calvin Davies, director, Area IV.

The CBE is open to other partnerships which would support a similar mutually beneficial relationship in the downtown area. At the same time, it must work within its fiscal realities and the serious accommodation crunch that it faces. The current lease is $1 per year.

The W.H. Cushing Workplace School offers a K-3 program for approximately 100 students.

The unique setting of the school has created links in the students’ learning environment and parents’ workplaces. The downtown core location also allowed for access to downtown resources and venues such as the Glenbow Museum, Calgary Public Library, Art Gallery of Calgary, Prince's Island Park, Olympic Plaza and the Eau Claire YMCA.

“We continue to meet with parents to discuss options for the future accommodation of students. We are committed to providing excellent education to students and support to families as we move through this transition,” said Davies.


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