Students at Arthur Stevenson Elementary School in Kamloops. (Photo via SD73)
Preliminary numbers show a total of 15,362 students enrolled across the Kamloops-Thompson School District.
That is almost 350 students more than last year, which Board Chair Heather Grieve says is about 250 more students in high schools and about 100 more in elementary schools.
“I think that we’re continuing to grow at a pace where space issues are continuing to be an issue,” said Grieve.
“But beyond that, we have a very well thought out and collaborative district strategic plan that we’re going to be responsible for looking at bringing that to fruition as well, and ensuring that we are meeting our mission and vision with regards to the plan.”
Student Enrollment Report at Oct 17 meeting (Supplied: SD73)
Grieve says the big question being asked is whether the increase in student numbers is having an impact on existing schools which are already at – or over – capacity.
“At this point, our understanding is that is not the case, but at the same time, recognizing that people do move within the city as well; we’re going to continue to see an influx of people coming to our city,” Grieve said.
She says the top priority for the incoming school board will be to continue advocating for SD73.
“Working with our newly elected councilors and the mayor-elect around this issue as well and with our MLAs and seeing if we can find a collaborative voice and a collective voice for our pressing needs within our district,” she said.
“But I think we laid some really good foundation, I think we have some very good pieces moving forward as to why we need new builds and that is going to be increasing.”
-With Files from Abby Zieverink
