School District 10 Sees Enrollment Growth and Facilities Upgrades

School District 10 Arrow Lakes has reported a modest increase in student enrollment this year, according to Superintendent Peter Dubinsky. The district’s initial headcount stands at 514 students, translating to 542 full-time equivalents (FTE). This includes 57 elementary students and 35 high school students at Lucerne School, 182 students at Nakusp Elementary, and 150 students at Nakusp Secondary, which accounts for 173 FTE. Edgewood Elementary has 12 students, while Burton Elementary reports 41.

Facility Upgrades and Maintenance Developments

The district’s Operations Manager, Cody Foster, provided an update on recent and ongoing projects during a board meeting. Significant upgrades are underway at Lucerne School, where the metal and wood shop is being enhanced with new welding booths, a forge area featuring fire-rated wall paneling, and improved dust extraction systems. The kiln is being relocated for better accessibility to the art classroom, complete with proper venting and a designated fire safety zone.

Additionally, maintenance work around the school included tree pruning, moss removal from the roof, servicing of the boiler, and the installation of a new storage container. At Nakusp Elementary, plans for a new commercial kitchen are progressing, with electrical work completed and plumbing installation underway. The final assembly of kitchen equipment is expected to begin in October.

At Nakusp Secondary, the district has upgraded the electrical distribution system, replacing outdated panels, and installed a new storage container. Edgewood Elementary has also benefited from infrastructure improvements, including the replacement and servicing of the boiler exchanger. Burton Elementary has repurposed two covered areas for storing sporting and gym equipment. The district has expanded its transportation capabilities with the addition of a fourth electric school bus to support the 262 bus service registrations received this year, alongside purchasing a new dump truck and skid steer.

Childcare Services Thrive and Minor Capital Projects Approved

The Nakusp Early Learning and Childcare Centre (NELCC), managed by Dana Ypma, has reported positive developments. The centre caters to children aged 0-12 and successfully hosted a summer camp with 26 attendees, averaging 20 children per week over eight weeks. With the new school year, NELCC has introduced a before-school program, currently enrolling five children, and a thriving after-school program with 21 enrolled and an average daily attendance of 14-16.

A morning and afternoon snack program featuring healthy options has been well received by children and parents alike. Starting in October, NELCC will launch a lunch program, having received funding for this initiative. The centre is also seeking additional funding to reduce childcare costs to $10 per day. Currently, full-time childcare costs $650 per month without subsidies, although many families receive financial assistance.

The board has also approved requests for minor capital projects for the 2026-27 school year, totaling $1,760,000. Each year, the district submits a letter to the Ministry of Education and Child Care (MECC) for project funding, with responses expected by March. Proposed projects include $100,000 for flooring and millwork at Nakusp Secondary, $300,000 to replace solar panel brackets at both Nakusp Secondary and Lucerne School, and $195,000 for a playground at Edgewood Elementary.

During the board meeting, Dave Bond of KPMG presented the district’s annual audit, confirming that no issues or deficiencies were identified, ensuring transparency and accountability for the district’s financial management.