Statement from VSB Communications on school crowding

 As part of my story on A Campus Resident about school crowding, VSB communications sent me the following statement. It was too long to include in the original story, so I share it here for full disclosure.

Hi Charles, 

The catchments of Norma Rose Point Elementary, University Hill Elementary and University Hill Secondary define the geographical region referred to as UBC/UEL. The District recognizes the enrolment at UBC/UEL is unique as a significant proportion of parents in this area have temporary student or work permits. Although enrolment is increasing due to ongoing development of new residential units in the area, to date, enrolment forecasts have adequately captured the impact of continuing development. These forecasts indicate that there will be additional enrolment pressure in the UBC/UEL region in coming years; however rapid enrolment growth is not anticipated. In addition, the Wesbrook site near University Hill Secondary school has been set aside for the construction of a new elementary school as required when capital funding becomes available. A new elementary school at UBC is prioritized in Year 5 of the Capital Plan.

As students get settled back to school, the enrolment for the 2022-2023 school year is still being finalized. Enrolment data since 2011 is posted on our website and can be located at: https://www.vsb.bc.ca/District/Planning_and_Facilities/Open_Data/Pages/Default.aspx. 

 

Maximizing catchment enrolment is a District priority. Unfortunately I will not be able to differentiate the enrolment data between international students and Canadian students before your deadline. 

 

The District works closely with UBC Planning and the City of Vancouver to closely monitor new developments around the city. The District annually updates long-range forecast of youth population based on the birth registry from Vital Statistics BC and the Universal Child Care Benefit recipient data from CRA.  Enrolment forecasts are based on youth population and historical enrolment trends and patterns.

 

The District mitigates uncertainty about the future through a capital planning process that emphasizes designing for flexibility and adaptability in facilities that will be in use for many decades.

 

UBC or the City does not have its own data sources for birth rates, youth population, or enrolment and relies on the District for this information. The District is well positioned to foresee, adapt, and respond to increases in the youth population from any development in future decades. Further information on the enrolment forecasting is available from the 2020 Long Range Facilities Plan – Chapter 4. This chapter also provides information on how the District validates its enrolment forecasts.

 

Regards,

 

Communications Department

Vancouver School District
1580 West Broadway, Vancouver BC V6J 5K8
e: communications@vsb.bc.ca