Preliminary figures for the new school year indicate a serious drop in student enrollment.

Local school boards must report to the Ministry of Education by the end of the month on exactly what the current enrollment is for funding purposes.

Last year School District 53 rallied and showed some strength when it came to enrollment but according to senior staff – the 2014 figures indicate a downward trend that started a number of years ago and is predicted to level off in 2017.

Just on elementary schools the figures indicate concern:

Ok Falls – down 24 students

Oliver Elementary – down 14 students

Similkameen Elementary – down 9

Substantial declines in secondary school as well .

Chair Marie Tarr says it is important to watch this graph as it dips and rises but the figures are actually better than what was projected. Final figures, checked and re-checked will be forwarded to the government in Victoria to determine whether this School District go back into a “protected” position in regards to funding formulas.