Western School Division (WSD) is finding it a challenge to meet the requirements of the Small Classes Initiative as the 2017 deadline approaches.

"Certainly our enrolment numbers are continuing to creep ahead," said superintendent Stephen Ross. "So, our classes are really full right now. Currently we have twenty-five percent of our K-to-3 classes that would not comply with the Small Class Initiative from the Province. Seventy-one percent of our classes in K-to-3 right now are within a couple of students of not complying."

Ross noted the Division is still trying to make their case to the government that they are in need of a new school. The division already has the land purchased for this new school, and are just waiting to get it approved.

"WSD has the second smallest amount of square feet per student in the Province. We think that's a very important fact that a lot of people in our province are not aware of. Seven Oaks is the division that has the biggest impact on space, and we (WSD) are number two," said Ross. "We do think that we do have some need and certainly as we continue to grow along here and as the Province continues to have the Smaller Classes Initiative met. We are going to need some support to do that, because without additional space we just can't make that work."

According to Ross the Division had applied for some more portables for this year, and weren't granted any. WSD applied for these, because not only are they expecting an increase this year in enrolment, but feel throughout the school year its numbers are going to continue to grow.

"As we look ahead to next fall and being completely full. Our only options currently for next fall would be to have some class rooms in our elementary schools functioning in our libraries," explained Ross. "Other than that I expect, I guess we will have hallways to consider for 2017 and we will see how that goes. We will continue to talk to the government and see if we can get the space that we need."