The Sooke School District will hire 57 more teachers in the next academic year as it continues to experience unprecedented growth.

Education board trustees approved a $206-million budget, including an increase of $17.5 million over last yearB次元官网网址檚 budget, an increase of 9.3 per cent.

The education ministry has provided more funding due to increased enrolment, inclusive education services, classroom enhancements, specialized areas and a boost in the special purpose fund.

Addressing the challenge of accommodating the increasing student enrolment remains a pressing concern in the district, one of the fastest-growing in the province. This concern is evident in the decision to hire 34.6 full-time-equivalent classroom teachers, two more early-childhood educators, increased support for the Indigenous Education Department and 1.23 full-time-equivalent school counsellors.

Enrolment in the district is expected to grow by 502 full-time enrolled students next fall, bringing the total projected number of FTE students to 13,364.

Other funding prioritized by trustees include:

B次元官网网址� Additional English Language LearnersB次元官网网址� clerical support

B次元官网网址� Increases to school clerical and supervision staff

B次元官网网址� Two additional custodians

B次元官网网址� Increased digital literacy and support resources

B次元官网网址� Support for student wellness initiatives

B次元官网网址� Increases to meal and snack programs

B次元官网网址淲hile growth remains a challenge in terms of student space, the added enrolment funding allows the district to continue enhancing supports for students and staff,B次元官网网址� said Harold Cull, the school districtB次元官网网址檚 secretary-treasurer.

B.C.B次元官网网址檚 60 school boards must file balanced budgets each year by June 30.

RELATED:

RELATED: