Numbers increase
School District 47 enrolment figures are up slightly in September 2021 over the same month in 2020.
At the Powell River Board of Education meeting on October 20, superintendent of schools Dr. Jay Yule’s report indicated that in terms of headcount, there were 3,090 students enrolled in the school district in September 2021, compared to 3,076 in September 2020, for a difference of 14 students.
Projects late
In an operational update, secretary-treasurer Steve Hopkins reported that two roofing projects tendered in the spring came in on budget, but it was recognized that there are delivery delays until next spring break. He said it will be the first time that roofing projects will be done with schools potentially in session. He said efforts will be made to push the projects toward March spring break to limit disruption.
Hopkins said there have been several playground projects during the past few summers. He said the project for Westview Elementary School, however, has delivery expected by mid-November. Also in the school district, LED lighting upgrades have been performed. The artificial turf project at Brooks Secondary School, with support from City of Powell River and the Powell River Community Forest grant, started in late summer and the project is awaiting turf to be installed.
Amends policy
The school board gave second and final reading to amendments to the district’s procedures policy, bringing into effect the ability to record regular meetings of the board to assist in communications with the public. Hopkins said it is in the interest of transparency and communication with the public. He said after the board adopted the policy, in November, meetings will be recorded and posted online.
The board also voted to hold its regular public meeting on the third Wednesday of the month, rather than the second Wednesday of the month.
Grants given
The school district has received grants of $104,632 for implementing programs addressing learning impact and $129,932 for mental health initiatives. The school district is developing strategies intended to address the mental health impacts of the pandemic on students and staff, as well as to address student learning loss resulting from the pandemic.
Yule said there will be wide consultation with different stakeholder groups to implement the grants.
