Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) Senior Administration presented the Pupil Accommodation Report 2021/2022 to Trustees at the November 23, 2021 Board Meeting.
In compliance with the LKDSB’s regulation and Ontario Ministry of Education directions, Senior Administration presented the report, which includes the LKDSB’s current and future enrolment demographics, financial considerations and school site information.
The LKDSB has an enrolment of 21,740 in 2021-2022, with an overall capacity utilization of 72.07 per cent as of September 20, 2021. Over the past 10 years, there has been an 11.2 per cent enrolment decline, including seven elementary schools with populations under 150 students and three secondary schools with populations under 400 students. Overall, there are 8,421 empty pupil spaces. The ten-year projections indicate LKDSB enrolment will continue to decline by 221 students by the year 2031.
The LKDSB’s Strategic Priority of “Sustainable Stewardship: Optimize human, financial and physical resources” implores the LKDSB to review its capital needs based on its enrolment and programming requirements, and overall utilization of facilities. With aging facilities and limited financial resources, the LKDSB will need to make difficult decisions into the future regarding funding and resource allocations. The Ministry of Education maintains a provincial moratorium on school consolidations.
“The LKDSB continues to face ongoing challenges regarding declining enrolment, aging facilities and limited funding and resources,” said Director John Howitt. “We are committed to providing the best possible student programming and supports, while making responsible decisions regarding utilization of facilities and resources based on our current funding realities. The Pupil Accommodation Report continues to emphasize the need to address ongoing challenges facing the LKDSB, including enrollment decline and related funding challenges, as well as aging facilities, while prioritizing student achievement and well-being.”
The LKDSB is committed to furthering its mission of “Fostering Success for Every Student Every Day” and responsive, informed decision-making and planning based on its Strategic Priorities and annual Operational Plan.
