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More students in North Okanagan-Shuswap

Enrolment is currently up 83 students over what was projected in February
8497199_web1_170901-TDT-classroom

Classes are full in the North Okanagan-Shuswap School District.

Enrolment is currently up 83 students over what was projected in February, which is an increase of 100 full-time equivalent students over enrolment last fall. As of Sept. 7, the district’s enrolment was 6,159 FTE.

“For the third year in a row, our enrolment has increased,” said trustee Mike McKay.

With the increase in enrolment and changes to the legislation around class size and composition, 44 new full-time equivalency teachers have been hired.

“Wrap your head around that for a minute. That’s 44 additional teachers coming in to our communities, rejuvenating our communities and schools,” said McKay.

He added that the increase in enrolment is not just occurring in this district but is happening across the province.

There are additional divisions at Highland Park, South Broadview, Salmon Arm West, Silver Creek, Ranchero and Sorrento schools.

“With the district out of funding protection for the second year in a row, the increase in students in the district will now generate additional revenue,” said Nicole Bittante, secretary-treasurer.

“Most of this revenue will go directly to the classrooms to pay for teachers, educational assistants and classroom resources.”

Bittante added that some of the changes are the result of the restored class size and composition language.

“The Ministry of Education has committed to funding the restored language through the classroom enhancement fund.”

Final enrolment will be reported to the ministry Sept. 29 and that will determine the operating grant for the district.