School District 10 Reports Minor Enrollment Growth and Upgrades

Student enrollment in School District 10 Arrow Lakes has seen a slight increase this year, according to Superintendent Peter Dubinsky. The initial headcount stands at 514 students, translating to 542 full-time equivalents (FTE). Among the schools, Lucerne School has 57 elementary and 35 high school students (totaling 41 FTE), while Nakusp Elementary boasts 182 students and Nakusp Secondary 150 students (173 FTE). Edgewood Elementary has 12 students, and Burton Elementary has 41. The Arrow Lakes Distributed Learning program accounts for 37 FTE.

Facility Upgrades Enhance Learning Environment

Operations Manager Cody Foster presented updates on various ongoing projects across the district. At Lucerne School, significant upgrades to the metal and wood shop include the installation of new welding booths, a forge area with fire-rated wall paneling, and a dust extractor make-up air system. Additionally, a kiln is being relocated closer to the art classroom, ensuring proper venting and a fire-safe zone. Other maintenance tasks included tree pruning around the school, moss removal from the roof, servicing of the boiler, and the installation of a new storage container.

At Nakusp Elementary, a new commercial kitchen for the foods program is in progress. All electrical work is complete, plumbing has commenced, and necessary equipment has been received, with final assembly set to begin in October. The school’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system has also been upgraded, including a new heat pump for the gym. Nakusp Secondary has seen upgrades to its electrical distribution, replacing outdated panels, along with the addition of a new storage container. Edgewood Elementary received a new boiler exchanger, while Burton Elementary modified two covered areas for sporting and gym equipment storage. The district expanded its fleet with a new dump truck, skid steer, and a fourth electric school bus, responding to 262 bus service registrations this year.

Childcare Services Expand with New Programs

Manager Dana Ypma of the Nakusp Early Learning and Childcare Centre (NELCC) provided insights into the centre’s recent accomplishments. Catering to children aged 0-12, the centre’s summer camp successfully hosted 26 children over eight weeks, averaging 20 attendees per week. With the new school year, NELCC now offers a before-school program alongside its established after-school service. Currently, five children are enrolled in the before-school program, while the after-school program has 21 participants, with an average daily attendance of 14-16. As of the end of August, 17 children are enrolled in the regular childcare program.

To enhance the children’s experience, NELCC introduced a morning and afternoon snack program featuring healthy options, which has been well-received by both children and parents. The centre is set to launch a lunch program in October, supported by new funding. Ypma indicated plans to apply for additional funding to reduce costs to $10 per day. Currently, full-time childcare at NELCC costs $650 per month without subsidies, although many families benefit from financial assistance. Some parents have explored alternative childcare arrangements due to financial constraints but have expressed a desire to return to NELCC.

The board also approved a request for $1,760,000 in minor capital projects for the 2026-27 school year, which will be submitted to the Ministry of Education and Child Care (MECC). The district expects a decision on funding in March. Proposed projects include $100,000 for flooring and millwork at Nakusp Secondary, $135,000 for heat pumps and fencing, and $90,000 for change room upgrades. Additional funding requests include $300,000 for solar panel replacements, $110,000 for roof repairs at Nakusp Elementary, $195,000 for a new playground at Edgewood Elementary, and $250,000 to replace inefficient heat pumps across the district.

In a recent audit presentation, Dave Bond from KPMG reported no issues or deficiencies in the district’s finances, indicating a solid operational standing. The board remains committed to enhancing educational resources and facilities for students across School District 10, ensuring a conducive learning environment as enrollment continues to grow.