Richmond schools have almost 700 students more this fall compared to last year, and this is 185 higher than projected in the spring.
The increase of 688 students this year brings the total number of students to 23,388, three per cent higher than last year.
However, there are only 804 international students while this number was projected to be 875 this year.
Furthermore, the school district has 237 more students who will need extra support than anticipated this year.
The enrolment increase and the increase in students who need to be supported will increase the estimated operating grant by $3.4 million.
The anticipated increase in the operating revenue will go toward classroom support, including hiring more teaching staff and supporting the needs of students with disabilities and diverse abilities, according to a school district report presented to the board of education in October.
While the enrolment increase is likely due to population growth, the school district has been challenged with some overcrowded schools.
Trustee Donna Sargent emphasized at the Oct. 23 Board of Education meeting the importance of giving students a “good and safe building to learn and grow” in Richmond.
“We’re advocating really hard for schools in city centre... I couldn’t go without saying we have to keep advocating for those students to have a good place to learn,” said Sargent.
“We’ll continue that work and celebrate the enrolment rise and let’s see what we can do for those students.”
Liz Baverstock, president of the Richmond Teachers' Association, called the enrolment increase positive news.
However, she urged the Richmond Board of Education to prioritize staffing.
“As we think about the last couple of years and the struggles we have, space being one of those struggles and staff being the other,” said Baverstock.
“I think of the space, but I think about the challenge in recruitment and retention. There needs to be dedicated work. There may be some temporary (solutions) for space issues. There’s nothing temporary if there’s not enough staff.”
Recruiting and retaining staff in B.C. school districts has been an ongoing challenge.
Baverstock also noted an increase in unique student needs also requires more specialized teachers.
“If we can’t get ahead of that, it leaves us more challenged each year as we go into September.”
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