CARLYLE - Jared Riddell is looking forward to the new kindergarten-Grade 12 school for Carlyle.
Riddell is a committee member of the Carlyle Community Complex Foundation, which is raising funds for amenities at the school, and attended the recent budget address at the Saskatchewan legislature last week. He provided some personal insights.
“While sitting in the Legislature, my first thoughts after hearing Carlyle being announced was, ‘It’s a go, we are doing this.’ Of course, they had already told us to be quiet while government was in session, so I discreetly turned to my phone and began updating the CCCF website, Facebook and Instagram accounts. So yes, I was extremely pleased with the announcement and maybe all this work wasn’t such a crazy idea after all.”
Regarding the excitement level around town, Riddell added, “This is the news we needed, and it is at a time when everyone deserves some good news. Not only for the obvious spinoffs from a community growth perspective but for what life has thrown at us over the recent years, especially as parents, teachers and students.
“My four kids won’t attend a new school but that is my fault for not pushing for this 10 years ago. Besides, that isn’t my goal, I am in this for the community and maybe one day I can pick up my grandkids at the new school and explain to them how lucky they are.”
While the site for a new school has been tentatively determined, Riddell highlighted the need for continued collaboration.
“I assume more work will continue between the school division and the town before a final location is determined.”
As Riddell and his wife Tammie were raising their children, the family has known of the need for a new facility.
“We have known for a while that we needed to begin working on fundraising for a new school. For me, it wasn’t until I joined council that I realized it was still just an annual discussion point about Carlyle being on ‘the list’. It seemed like valuable time being lost so I did some research on data from 2012 and started compiling a proposal to present a case.
“It wouldn’t have been possible without council supporting my requests for resources, so I thank the mayor, CAO [chief administrative officer] and council for that. It all seemed to be happening at the same time the town engaged a third-party engineering group to conduct condition assessments on town facilities.
“This was also included in the 2021 proposal presented to the school division, MLA, ministry and personally delivered to Premier Scott Moe in the summer of 2022.”
Riddell and the foundation fully realize that ongoing consultation and collaboration is required in the coming months.
“As for now, the Town of Carlyle will most likely engage with the school division and other stakeholders to get the ball rolling on planning,” he said. “A separate non-profit committee was incorporated in August 2022. The Carlyle Community Complex Committee has a great list of members and a great start with a growing bank balance.”
They have just announced the first annual farming fundraiser, thanks mostly to the business and agriculture community.
“We have big goals but with a plan on focusing to achieve them.”
Riddell concluded, “In order for us to make the most of a new school build will take involvement from everyone. I am hopeful that our community will come together for one common goal and feel they have contributed to this once in a lifetime opportunity. You can visit www.carlylecomplex.ca for more information on how to become involved.”
