NLPS says they will be able to meet projected growth demands

Hope Lompe

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder

School District 68 says they will be able to meet projected growth anticipated by the district over the next several years.

The district’s multi-year financial plan projects an increase in student numbers over the next three years.

“The District is confident that we have the human resources to serve the modest enrollment growth reflected in our short term projections in the three year financial plan,” writes a SD 68 spokesperson in a statement.

Overall district enrollment for the current year was 15,281. This is expected to grow in subsequent years to approximately 15,494 for 2025/2026, 15,582 for 2026/2027 and 15,607 for 2027/2028.

The financial plan stipulates the growth will require additional funding for staff to accommodate meet demands.

“Over the last number of years, the district has been in a period of enrollment growth that required significant investment in staffing,”the district writes in the financial plan. “Current trends see enrolments soften slightly in some areas, but overall, the district continues to grow so staffing levels will remain robust and likely increase moderately in response to student needs.”

To meet growth, the district says they are adding 150 additional seats to Wellington Secondary for 2026, and have also applied to rebuild Nanaimo District Secondary School with expanded capacity, however this could be more down the line.

“In the event of Ministry support additional support would be a number of years in the future,” writes a SD 68 spokesperson.