The local public school board is reporting a “relative stabilization” in student enrollment.
Senior administration with the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) presented its Pupil Accommodation Report for 2022/2023 to the board trustees during a meeting on Tuesday.
The report stated that enrollment currently sits at 14,881 elementary students and 7,394 secondary students for a total enrollment of 22,275, which includes 300 students in virtual learning.
This year’s enrollment marks an increase of 736 students compared to the number registered for the 2021/2022 school year.
“It is positive to see a relative stabilization in the overall enrolment at the Lambton Kent District School Board and this is helpful in our planning for capital projects, staffing, and effectively allocating resources in order to maximize impact on student learning at the school level,” said Director John Howitt.
Schools within the LKDSB were at 74.16 capacity as of October 31, with 7,761 empty pupil spaces. There are currently six elementary schools with populations under 150 students and three secondary schools with populations under 400 students.
The board said there has been a 7.23 per cent enrolment over the past 10 years and enrollment is projected to decline by 308 students by 2032.