As kids gear up for the first day of school next week, School District 57 is also eager to see what the new school year will bring.
"It's going to be an exciting year ahead," said school district chairperson Tim Bennett.
With various school projects in the works and an operational strategic plan approved last year, Bennett can't help but remain optimistic.
"Our budget was approved last May in expectation of 13,000 students," Bennett said. "Our final enrollment count will be on Sept. 30 which is when we will have exact enrollment numbers. When we do our budget, we budget ahead for what we think will happen."
Two major school projects are currently in the works, with one due on the first day of classes.
Staff at Springwood elementary school are preparing to reopen their doors after closing in 2010.
"Springwood staff are getting ready and have worked hard from April until now with such commitment and they will continue until the last minute to make sure they are ready to welcome students on Sept. 6," Bennett said.
In April, the school district approved the recommendation to reopen the school in response to last year's Supreme Court decision calling for smaller class sizes.
In an effort to prevent schools from running over capacity and reach new class size mandates, the school district saw a need for additional classroom spaces required in the Hart area and the decision to reopen Springwood came to be.
About 180 students will be enrolled from kindergarten to Grade 7.
And planning is also in the works for another major school project, construction of a new Kelly Road secondary school.
"Since announcing this in March, the minister reaffirmed $43 million for Kelly Road. We are in the planning process right now and right on track for opening in September 2020," Bennett said.
About 900 students will continue to study at the existing school until the new state-of-the-art building is ready.
Once completed, the 56-year-old building will be demolished.
The cost of the new school is
$44.3 million with $43.3 million coming from the B.C. government and $1 million from School District 57.
Bennett praised the rich history of the school at the announcement in March.
"The current building is nearing end of life and the Board of Education is excited that today's announcement will mean that the community will be able to continue that legacy in a new building. When the project is complete, students and staff will have a facility that is modern, energy efficient and that is designed to meet the needs of 21st century learning and teaching," Bennett said. "It's going to be a busy year but we look forward to welcoming students back next week."
