STUDENT ENROLMENTS INCREASE FOR FIRST TIME IN 17 YEARS

For the first time since 1992, the number of Kindergarten-Grade 12 students is on the rise.

Education Minister Ken Krawetz today announced that 159,818 students are enrolled in Saskatchewan schools this fall - an increase of 361 students over last year.

"This is another clear sign of a growing province," Krawetz said. "While it's not a huge increase, student numbers are on the rise after declining by 36,000 over the past 17 years. It's good news and a step in the right direction."

Krawetz said while some school divisions still saw a decline in enrolment in 2009, the overall increase is great news and a sharp turnaround from last year, when student enrolment dropped by 1,800.

During the past two years, the government has committed more than $300 million for 22 major school capital projects and more than 150 smaller projects in schools.

"This funding and changes to school facilities will assist us as we move forward to educate the growing number of students in our schools," Krawetz said.

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For more information, contact:

Kathy Hancock
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1305
Email: kathy.hancock@sasked.gov.sk.ca