Enrollment is looking up for School District 53. Projections for the 2011-2012 year were a bit off so 3 more teachers have been hired to meet the need. All additional staff hired are for primary/elementary schools in Oliver, Osoyoos and OK Falls. Estimates had been that the district student population would be down by 58 students but the number was actually 24 more than the total last year.

Bev Young, School District #54 School Superintendent, says the teacher’s job action is affecting the system but the main concern has been getting all students settled after the fire at SOSS in Oliver. She says it is “tough to do business” in the middle of a labour dispute. She says there could be many long-term affects if no settlement is reached in a timely manner. Young thanked all district staff and students at SOSS for making it all work in the past weeks.

Education Minister George Abbott has postponed his visit this week and is now scheduled to arrive October 14 for a tour of the SOSS site including a tour of the damaged areas that remain. Young says “insurance staff in the Ministry of Education have given a go ahead to cover all cleanup costs including debris removal, the acquisition of portables and all associated restoration costs including a completely new gym floor”.

No word yet on what type of plans can be submitted and certainly no go ahead has been given for new construction.

The Ministry is seeking 3-5 proposals on what could be done to replace lost space in the fire including intended uses in east wing, south wing and auditorium. Young says “the auditorium will be included in each plan submitted”.