The next step is getting data, says a committee struck by Living Sky School Division to get the process of addressing overcrowded schools underway.
Grade reconfiguration is one possible way to redistribute student populations more evenly within division facilities, but the board of Living Sky School Division wants its committee to gather more information before any decisions are made, and has indicated public consultation may also take place.
Board member Glenn Wouters, who recommended the committee be formed, reported to the board last week that data collected so far indicates enrolments have increased in recent years.
"Our objective right now," said Wouters, "is to put in place the population history, what has happened over the last 30 years, and more importantly, what has happened over the last five years, and then try to project what will happen in the next five years."
Data collected so far, he said, is "quite revealing."
"It does show that our history has been one of decline. From 1981 to '91, we lost 280 students. From '91 to 2001, [approximately] 400 students, and, from 2001 to 2011, over 450 students."
But, noted Wouters, in the last few years, there has actually been a small increase.
"After 25 years of declining enrolments in the public system, the last five years show a small increase."
What the board needs to know, he said, is what the birth rate is likely to be in the next five years, and what to expect in immigration to the community.
"All you're doing is a best guess, and the more factors you think of, the closer you get to what will probably happen."
From the province's Vital Statistics department, he said, they can get the number of children born, by age based upon postal code. The board approved the cost, which will likely be between $300 and $500.
"We need to know how that breaks down," said Wouters. "Going back the last five years, what kind of percentage do we normally get? If we know that we can use that for the next five years."
Wouters serves on the committee along with fellow board members Roy Challis, Garth Link and Bob Foreman, Director of Education Randy Fox, Chief Financial Officer Ray Kopera and Superintendent of Business Lonny Darroch.
"The plan of the committee is to get the data, then sit down with the board and talk about the next steps we think we should to follow to get to this to a stage where we are able to go to the public if we so choose," said Wouters.
The committee will meet again Jan. 17 and report back to the board on Jan. 25.
Kopera noted the Ministry of Education may have funding available for a grade reconfiguration study.
