School Changes

Re-configuration is soon to be a reality for a number of schools in the North Okanagan-Shuswap School District.

Over-crowding at some and low enrolment at others necessitates the move.

In Enderby, District #83 is looking at making Parkview Elementary a K to 5 or 6 school, while A. L. Fortune is likely to become a 6 or 7 to 12 facility, according to Superintendent Glenn Borthistle.

“There are a number of other 7-12 schools in the Province. That’s a configuration that is not uncommon and that’s why we are going to be taking a look at that option.”

Borthistle says a decision in Enderby needs to be made this spring.

“We have a 60-day mandatory consultation period which would mean that the earliest that the final decision can be made is in May, but we will need to make that decision at the very latest by May 15th.”

A decision has already been made in Sicamous where Parkview Elementary will be K- to 6 next year and Eagle River Secondary 7-12.

“The main priority is the ensure there is a full program from Kindergarten to Grade 12 in the community. For the most part it just shifts a little bit of the population from the elementary school to the secondary school just to help support some programs there.”