During its first meeting of this school year, the Rocky View School Board of Trustees was presented with preliminary enrolment numbers that show a 4.3 per cent increase compared to last year. It was noted that this trend has been continuing for the past several years.

As of September 6, enrolment stands at 27,772, an increase of 1,110 students, though, RVS will submit final numbers to the government by the end of this month. According to RVS, the numbers exceeded their projections in January which considers community growth, grade-to-grade growth, historical trends, and census and birth rate data.

According to officials with RVS, if they do see growth greater than two and a half percent and growth greater than 5 per cent, this may open the door to additional funding, however, it was noted the funding will not be substantial, though it may help with hiring several additional staff. 

"RVS is in urgent need of government approval and funding for new schools, additions and modular classrooms to accommodate our fast-growing communities. The Board is committed to advocating for the provincial government to fund the space needed for RVS students and relieve the pressures in our schools," a press release stated. 

During the board meeting, Director of Operations, Colette Winter discussed some of the details regarding upgrades to several RVS facilities which took place over the summer. Several Airdrie schools were mentioned, including modular classrooms that were added to Northcott Prairie School in Airdrie, as well as the construction of an outdoor classroom at Airdrie’s Windsong Heights School.

There were also mechanical upgrades and the adding classrooms at George McDougall High School, this included adding classrooms where there were offices on the second floor, as well as downsizing the cafeteria to add additional classroom space.

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