The Kamloops Thompson School District says it will do what it can to keep the doors open at the elementary school in Blue River.
There are just four students enrolled this year, but SD73 Board Chair Heather Grieve says the district is in a position to keep the school open.
“We have had conversations at the board level around the importance of doing what we can to support Blue River to being viable and what that means for us. We always look at the numbers and as we transition through things, we look at the necessity. Closing schools is never something we wanna see happen.”
She also says the school board understands the importance of kids being able to easily access education in the smaller communities.
“I can only imagine as a young family if you are moving to a community or if you are young and moving to a community and thinking ‘this is where I want to raise a family,’ you look at schools as part of your decision in terms of where you live.”
Grieve suggests the drop in enrolment could be temporary, pointing to the “unique” industries like Heli-Skiing and adventure tourism in the area.
“There have been some changes in terms of industry, different ownership with Wiegele’s Heli-Skiing. With new ownership, does that bring in a new population into Blue River as well?”
Grieve says the situation in Blue River is similar to one at Westwold Elementary in 2018. She says enrolment at that school has bounced back over the last few years.