As the 2023-24 school year ramps up, an increase in students entering the district will bring some challenges and benefits to its operations.
That’s from the district’s new superintendent, Dr. Jeremy Morrow. The district says he joined Comox Valley Schools in June after 14 years in Campbell River, replacing former superintendent Tom Domeo.
Dr. Morrow says there has been a lot of change in school systems since the pandemic, and around 400 more students are entering the system this year compared to last year. He adds this brings new responsibilities and lots of opportunities and challenges.
“One of the things we have to deal with right away is around space. As we look across the district, our schools are getting close to capacity in terms of classrooms,” said Dr. Morrow. “So, we’ve converted a lot of spaces, that includes 56 portables that are already in the district.
“With that comes in a change in revenue. We do get funded per student so there is a change in funding that may allow us to expand some of those programs and support those families in new and creative ways.”
With childcare a concern as the school year begins, Dr. Morrow says they have new daycare spaces either already in place or on the way at Lake Trail Elementary, Cumberland Community School and at Glacier View.
“Those new spaces are not close to accommodating the needs of what are in the community,” said Dr. Morrow. “We’ll continue to look at the expansion of those childcare spaces and new ways to increase the number of available spots.”
The year will also bring an opportunity for the district to work on its strategic plan, which is set for renewal this year.
“Certainly, part of the work we need to do this year is look at what our long-term plans are to accommodate the growth that is anticipated in the Comox Valley,” said Dr. Morrow.
“We have a number of capital projects put forward to the Ministry of Education right now and we have a business plan approved by the ministry for Cumberland for a Cumberland School expansion.”
He adds he is also looking forward to continuing work that was done with the district and the K’ómoks First Nation and its education agreement.
“The exciting piece is meeting new challenges, and our new students needs in a good way and changing as best we can, making improvements for outcomes for kids,” he said.
He adds this includes the enhanced Feeding Futures program to support nutrition at schools. Dr. Morrow says he feels “thrilled” to be working in the district and is very excited about what the year will look like for families and students.
