School District 10 Reports Modest Enrollment Increase and Upgrades

Student enrollment in School District 10, located in Arrow Lakes, has seen a slight increase for the current academic year. Superintendent Peter Dubinsky reported an initial headcount of 514 students, translating to 542 full-time equivalents (FTE). The distribution includes 57 elementary students and 35 high school students at Lucerne School, while Nakusp Elementary has 182 students and Nakusp Secondary accommodates 150 students (173 FTE). Other schools in the district include Edgewood Elementary with 12 students and Burton Elementary with 41 students. The Arrow Lakes Distributed Learning program has registered 37 FTE.

Facility Upgrades and Ongoing Projects

Operations Manager Cody Foster provided updates on various improvement projects across the district. At Lucerne School, significant renovations to the metal and wood shop are underway. These enhancements include new welding booths, a dedicated forge area with fire-rated wall paneling, and a comprehensive dust extractor air system. Additionally, the kiln will be relocated closer to the art classroom for improved safety and efficiency. Other maintenance activities included tree pruning, moss removal from the roof, boiler servicing, and the installation of a new storage container.

Plans for a new commercial kitchen are advancing at Nakusp Elementary, where all electrical work is complete and plumbing has commenced. Equipment for the kitchen has arrived, and final assembly is set to begin in October. In addition, upgrades to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system are in progress, along with the installation of a new heat pump for the gym. Nakusp Secondary is also undergoing electrical distribution upgrades, replacing outdated panels, and has received a new storage container.

At Edgewood Elementary, the boiler exchanger has been replaced and serviced, while at Burton Elementary, two covered areas have been reconfigured for storage of sports and gym equipment. The district has added a new dump truck and skid steer to its fleet, along with a fourth electric school bus, which supports the 262 bus service registrations for this year.

Childcare Initiatives and Funding Updates

Dana Ypma, Manager of the Nakusp Early Learning and Childcare Centre (NELCC), shared recent successes at the facility, which serves children aged 0-12. The summer camp was well-received, with participation from 26 children, averaging 20 attendees each week over the eight-week program. As the school year begins, the centre has launched a before-school program alongside its established after-school offerings. Currently, five children are enrolled in the before-school program, with hopes for increased participation.

The after-school program is thriving with 21 enrolled and an average daily attendance of 14-16 children. By the end of August, 17 children were registered in the regular childcare program. The centre has introduced a morning and afternoon snack program featuring healthy options, which has proven popular with families. Additionally, NELCC secured funding to initiate a lunch program in October, and plans to apply for further funding to lower childcare costs to $10 per day. Presently, full-time childcare at NELCC costs $650 per month, with many families receiving subsidies. Some families without full subsidies have explored alternative arrangements due to financial constraints but expressed a desire to return to NELCC.

The board also discussed plans for minor capital projects, with a request submitted for $1,760,000 for the 2026-27 school year. The district anticipates a decision from the Ministry of Education and Child Care (MECC) in March. Proposed projects include funding for flooring and millwork at Nakusp Secondary, heat pumps and fencing, and improvements for change rooms and showers. Additional requests for solar panel replacements, roof repairs, and playground equipment were also outlined.

In reviewing the district’s financial health, the board received a presentation from Dave Bond of KPMG. The audit revealed no significant issues or deficiencies, reinforcing the district’s commitment to maintaining fiscal responsibility and transparency.

Overall, School District 10 is adapting to growing enrollment while enhancing facilities and expanding childcare services, reflecting a proactive approach to meeting the needs of its students and families.