Today is the start of the 2019-20 school year.

New Superintendent CEO, Dan Ward says they have a similar number of teachers compared to last year.

“For this upcoming school year, we hired 22 new teachers. A good number of them are new graduates from university. A number of teachers have been hired both from local communities and from outside the school division.”

They had 9 teachers, including Donna Davidson, retire at the last school year, as well as teachers resigning or going on maternity leave.

Ward says they have a projected number of 3167 students.

“Compared to last year, if those numbers stay firm, and all indications are that it will or be close to, we will be up over 60 students from last year.”

Every year the amount of funding the school division receives is impacted by the number of students.

Ward says there’s a sense of optimism and positivity heading into the school year, he’s also looking forward to a couple of things.

“Learning from the schools, visiting the schools. Of course, I’m coming into this role having spent 4 years as assistant superintendent where I learned a great deal about each school’s culture and programming. I hope to learn more from each of our schools and support our principals in the programs and initiatives that are being delivered.”

Ward would also like to wish all staff and students a great school year.