Rocky View Schools' sees a significant enrolment increase

Rocky View Schools (RVS) has seen an increase in student enrolment over last year’s number.

“We’re at about 4.5 (to five) per cent growth, which is significant,” said Greg Bass, RVS superintendent of schools. “We’re in excess of 800 students.”

Bass said schools in Airdrie, Cochrane and Chestermere have seen the most growth.

“A lot of the other areas have remained static, while the three have seen significant growth,” he said.

Trustee Don Thomas showed concern over accommodating students.

“All students are well-accommodated,” Bass said.

“We’re rock-solid, well-suited, albeit some buildings are busier than we anticipated.”

Bass said numbers are only increasing as the month draws to a close.

“I think 800 to 1,000 is the growth we’re looking at in the future,” he said.

Bass said there may need to be an adjustment of RVS’ short-term plans in the future due to enrolment growing faster than anticipated.

The final enrolment count will take place Sept. 30.

Rocky View Schools is one of the region’s largest employers with 2,000 staff.

It provides educational services to more than 18,000 public students in 42 schools located west, north and east of the city of Calgary in a number of communities including Springbank, Cochrane, Chestermere, Langdon, Beiseker, Crossfield and Airdrie.

RVS is the fifth-largest school board in the province.