The Garden Valley School Division continues to see increased enrolment.
    
As of September 30th, the total student population has grown to 4,563, 97 more students than what was projected for the 2017/18 school year.  4,563 is the number that will be submitted to the province for funding for the year.

The new enrolment number is up 116 from one year ago, and up 85 students from where the division ended the 2016/17 year in June.

GVSD Superintendent Vern Reimer

Superintendent Vern Reimer explained the division has formulas they use to determine what they should base the budget on and how they staff the schools.  He said for the most part they are usually pretty close, however, he says it is a moving target as evidenced by the additional 97 students.

Reimer said the part that makes it a little tougher to predict can hinge on what the economy is doing.  As an example, Reimer said for some who moved west for work, they may have moved back.  "And perhaps based on the economy there, maybe there isn't as many people leaving," added Reimer.  He said there's also some connection to the number of students that are now enrolled that are returning from private school or homeschooling.

The impact of the higher than projected enrolment has resulted in an additional grade 7 class added at Winkler's Emerado Centennial School, a 4th kindergarten class was added at Winkler Elementary, and a point five teacher position, yet to be hired, will be added at Plum Coulee School for kindergarten and grade 1.

As the actual enrolment was realized, Reimer their goal was to make all the necessary adjustments as soon as possible to ensure the students at the schools with higher than projected numbers are getting the assistance they need.

Reimer said it's exciting to see growth continue.  "With the June announcement of the new school, all the more reason to press forward...It's incredibly exciting and there's a lot of work do to make sure everyone has a spot when that school opens in September of 2019.  Growth is always exciting, and it's a great scenario to be in."