Peace River School Division Adjusts Capital Plan Amid Campus Changes

The Peace River School Division Board of Trustees has made significant adjustments to its capital plan in light of the impending closure of the Fairview campus of Northwestern Polytechnic, scheduled for June 2026. This decision, made during the board’s January 15 meeting, reflects a strategic shift aimed at aligning future investments with the changing educational landscape in the community.

In response to the closure announcement made in October 2025, the board has opted to implement a “pause” regarding its plans for Fairview. The board’s original strategy for the area relied heavily on collaboration with Northwestern Polytechnic. Given the uncertainty surrounding the campus’s future, the board concluded that it would be prudent to reassess its capital priorities. As a result, immediate focus will shift to developing solutions for Peace River, followed by modernization efforts at Worsley Central School. Fairview will now be prioritized third, underscoring the board’s intent to ensure any future projects align with long-term community needs.

Administration is currently working on the 2026–2029 Capital Plan, which is set to include a detailed explanation of these changes. This revised plan will be presented to the board during its meeting on March 26, 2026.

Enrollment Declines Prompt Concerns

During the same meeting, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jeff Thompson provided an update regarding the division’s overall enrollment trends. While enrollment numbers have remained stable over the past two years, early projections indicate a potential decline of approximately 1.5% to 2% for the 2026–2027 school year. This anticipated decrease could significantly impact funding for smaller schools, including Hines Creek Composite School, Lloyd Garrison School, and Nampa Public School.

Dr. Thompson highlighted the challenges faced by small rural schools in maintaining viability under the current funding model, stating, “With the current funding model, the reality is that for small rural schools to remain viable, they rely on resources that would have otherwise been destined for bigger schools.” This situation may necessitate difficult decisions regarding the future of these smaller institutions unless both funding and enrollment figures improve.

New Initiatives in Community Engagement

The board also introduced new initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement, particularly concerning the needs of Menno Simons Community School located in the Cleardale area. A formal committee has been established, featuring board members Lacey Buchinski, David Rushton, and Edith Giesbrecht. This committee will work to identify and collaborate with local partners to foster discussions about the community’s educational priorities.

This shift comes in response to a noticeable decline in enrollment at Menno Simons Community School, which has dropped from 122 students in September 2019 to just 75 students currently. Despite this decline, local demographic data suggests there are enough students in the area to support the school’s continued operation, many of whom are not currently enrolled in the public education system.

The board is prioritizing direct community engagement to explore alternative service models or partnerships that could better serve local families and encourage them to take advantage of the educational opportunities offered by the Peace River School Division.

Board members and the community can view the full January meeting on the Peace River School Division’s YouTube channel for more details on these developments and future plans.