SD8: decline in enrolment

The number of full-time equivalent students in the school district has dropped even more than predicted for the new school term, according to the latest figures from SD8.

School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) had a projected drop of 75 students coming into the 2024/25 school year, but when the smoke cleared at the end of September it was a 93-student difference from last year.

In all, district-wide enrolment is 4,684 full-time equivalent students, down from the 4,777 that SD8 enjoyed in 2023/24.

Despite the dip in students, the district’s budget should not be affected much — around $160,307 less — said SD8 secretary treasurer, Cathy MacArthur in her report to the SD8 board of trustees. The provincial department of Education funds schools and school districts on a per-student basis, and not per school.

MacArthur explained that the shortfall in students will be covered by an increase in the amount of funding per student from the province, in addition to a supplement being offered for enrolment decline. As a result, MacArthur noted that SD8 will receive $48.9 million in operating budget from the province.