Peace River School Division Adjusts Capital Plans Amid Enrollment Decline

The Peace River School Division Board of Trustees has made significant adjustments to its capital planning in response to the upcoming closure of the Fairview campus of Northwestern Polytechnic, effective June 2026. This decision, announced in January 2026, marks a strategic re-evaluation aimed at aligning future investments with the community’s changing educational needs.

In light of this announcement, the board has initiated a “pause” on its previous plans for Fairview, which were heavily dependent on a partnership with Northwestern Polytechnic. The board has determined it is essential to wait for clarity regarding the future of the campus before proceeding with any new initiatives. Consequently, the first priority will now be a solution for Peace River, followed by modernization efforts at Worsley Central School. The Fairview project will move to the third position in the capital priorities.

This reorganization does not signify the removal of Fairview from the agenda; rather, it allows for a more thoughtful approach to ensure that any future developments are well-suited to the long-term needs of the community. The administration is currently preparing the 2026–2029 Capital Plan, which will include a detailed explanation of these changes, and it is set to be presented to the board at their meeting on March 26, 2026.

Enrollment Trends and Challenges

During the January meeting, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jeff Thompson provided an update on the division’s enrollment statistics. While overall enrollment had remained stable over the past two years, projections indicate a concerning decline of approximately 1.5% to 2% in total student numbers for the 2026–2027 school year. Specific schools, including Hines Creek Composite School, Lloyd Garrison School, and Nampa Public School, are expected to face significant reductions in funding due to these declining enrollment figures.

Dr. Thompson addressed the financial implications, noting, “With the current funding model, the reality is that for small rural schools to remain viable, they rely on resources that would have otherwise been destined for bigger schools.” He cautioned that the board may soon have to make difficult decisions regarding the future viability of these smaller institutions unless there is an increase in funding and enrollment figures.

Community Engagement Initiatives

In addition to capital planning, the board is placing a strong emphasis on community engagement, particularly in the Cleardale area. A new committee has been established to address the needs of Menno Simons Community School, which has seen a drop in enrollment from 122 students in September 2019 to just 75 students currently.

The committee, which includes Lacey Buchinski (chair), David Rushton (vice chair), and Edith Giesbrecht (Ward 7 trustee), is tasked with identifying and collaborating with local partners to facilitate discussions about educational priorities within the community. Despite the decline in enrollment, data indicates that the local population has enough potential students to sustain the school’s operations, many of whom are currently not enrolled in the public education system.

This proactive approach underscores the board’s commitment to exploring alternative service models or partnerships that could better serve the educational needs of families in the area. The board’s focus on direct engagement aims to encourage local families to take advantage of the educational opportunities available through the Peace River School Division.

For those interested in the discussions from the meeting, a recording is available on the Peace River School Division’s YouTube channel.