The official student numbers in Living Sky School Division are slightly more than last year, but fewer than expected.
At its most recent meeting, the board of education received the end of September enrolment numbers, the data the provincial government looks at when approving funding for the division.
Across the division, 5,592 students are enrolled, 166 fewer than projected. Last year at the same time, enrolment was 5,584.
Battleford Central School is one of the elementary schools in the Battlefords facing overcrowding that has resulted in a decision by the Living Sky School Division board to move Grade 8 students to North Battleford Comprehensive High School (NBCHS) in 2013, and Grade 9 students in 2015.
As of the end of September, 544 students were enrolled, 33 more than projected, and 34 more than last year at the same time.
Connaught School is another elementary school facing overcrowded conditions, and this year so far 297 students have enrolled, 10 more than forecast. Last year's enrolment at the same time was 243.
Bready School, also an elementary school, has 292 students enrolled, 30 more than the projected 262. Last year's enrolment figure was 270.
Lawrence School, however, came in under expectations, with 246 enrolled, six less than the expected 252. Last year's enrolment was 224.
McKitrick School is the only other Battlefords elementary school that hasn't exceeded its projected numbers. While the projected attendance was 159, the numbers at this point are 144 enrolled, 15 less than expected and down from 167 last year.
Board members noted there is no real way at this time to determine where those students who were expected to attend McKitrick are actually enrolled, if indeed they are enrolled in any Living Sky school at all.
A new data system being established may be able to track that kind of information in the future.
NBCHS is the largest school in the division with 779 students enrolled, however it is under its expected level of 822 by 43 students. Last year's enrolment was 794.
