FILE PHOTO

(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)

Okanagan Skaha School District 67 has undergone significant changes in recent months, including the closure of three elementary schools and the integration of hundreds of Grade 7 and 8 pupils into local high schools.

Despite the magnitude of these shifts, things are going well so far, says district superintendent Todd Manuel.

“There are always challenges when educating more than 5,000 students,” said Manuel, who was appointed superintendent in March 2020.

“But the recent changes have been managed effectively, with no major disruptions to the school system.”

Manuel, who began his career with School District 67 as a teacher in 2008, noted that enrolment numbers for the 2025–26 school year are still being finalized but are expected to remain consistent with last year’s.

“I can confirm that we projected 5,865 full-time equivalent students, which is exactly the same number we reported in September 2025,” he said. “We didn’t anticipate growth, but we also didn’t expect any significant declines. Our projections were for flat enrolment, and we’re on track to meet those numbers when we report to the board in October.”

Following the closure of Parkway Elementary and Carmi Elementary, both in Penticton, and Giant’s Head Elementary in Summerland, the district now operates 11 elementary schools -- down from 14 last year -- and three secondary schools: Penticton Secondary School (Pen-Hi), Princess Margaret Secondary School, and Summerland Secondary School. There is also an alternate online school.

While final enrolment numbers are still being confirmed, preliminary figures show that Pen-Hi has over 1,400 students enrolled, with Princess Margaret and Summerland Secondary each hosting just over 600.

The closure of the three elementary schools led to the redistribution of hundreds of students across the district. As for the closed buildings, decisions on their future use are well underway.

“For Parkway, the board has agreed to lease part of the space to Pitter Patter Daycare, which was announced at the end of June,” said Manuel.

“The board is still reviewing proposals for the remaining space at Parkway, as well as for Carmi and Giant’s Head.”

No decisions have been made to sell any of the properties at this time.

“There’s a formal process that all school districts in B.C. must follow before selling school property, and our board hasn’t initiated that process,” he said. “They’re still considering community proposals for alternative uses.”

A major road construction project on Eckhardt Ave. has caused limited access to the main parking lot at Pen-Hi. However, the transition has been manageable thanks to strong collaboration with the City of Penticton.

“The City’s engineering and administrative staff met with our Pen-Hi team in August to discuss how they could support us,” Manuel said. “The partnership has been very effective, and our parent community has also shown great patience.”

While congestion is highest during school drop-off and pick-up times, Manuel said the school community has adapted well.

“The construction will continue for several more months, but everyone has worked together to make the best of the situation.”

The district is now in the second year of a three-year transition plan to move Grade 7 and 8 students into secondary schools -- a significant structural shift that is progressing smoothly, said Manuel.

“Last year, Grade 8 students moved to secondary schools for the first time. I engaged with many of them to get feedback, and the responses were overwhelmingly positive,” he said. “They liked the course offerings, and they felt welcomed by older students.”

Parent advisory committees also responded favourably to the change.

“A lot of credit goes to our teachers and support staff who went out of their way to make these students feel like a part of the school community,” Manuel said. “It’s truly been a team effort.”

To manage the transition, the district established a “Transition and Facility Team,” which has played a key role in ensuring a smooth process.

“They’ve done a tremendous amount of work,” said Manuel. “Our facilities, teaching, and support staff have all been incredibly committed to helping students adapt and thrive. There’s a really positive energy in our schools, and I’m proud of that.”

Approximately 200 Grade 8 students transitioned to Pen-Hi last year, while Princess Margaret and Summerland Secondary each welcomed about 100.

This year, Grade 7 students in Summerland are attending Summerland Secondary School, making Summerland Elementary a K–6 school. In Penticton, all Grade 7 students are now attending either KVR Elementary or Skaha Lake Elementary.

— This story was originally published by the Penticton Herald

News from © iNFOnews, 2025