Changes are on the way for School District #83’s Storefront and Educational Outreach programs, but how those programs will be affected is still unknown.
There has been a significant drop in both adult enrolment and the number of students opting to take educational outreach programs. As well, the Ministry of Education is making changes to the funding formulas for the programs. This is prompting the school board to ask for a review of the programs.
“We need to give the system some notice that we are reviewing what these programs look like and that these programs could be significantly affected for 2013-14,” commented trustee Chris Coers at the last board meeting.
The board is already expecting a significant shortfall in budget funding.
Some of the enrolment reductions are related to previous funding cuts to adult education programs, like the availability of funding for second language training.
Enrolment in the Continuing Education programs housed in Salmon Arm, Armstrong, Enderby and Sicamous dropped from 129 adults in January 2012 to 36 adults in January 2013. School-aged students dropped from 160 in January 2012 to 52 in January 2013.
In addition, the number of storefront students in Salmon Arm has gone from 138 in Jan. 2012 to 35 in Jan. 2013.
“Unfortunately, the new funding formula does not reflect the many outstanding services provided to the individuals attending the programs,” says Wendy Woodhurst, director of instruction for the school district.