The Sea to Sky School District (District 48) comprises 15 schools (10 elementary, four secondary and one alternate) in Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton and Devine. Here's a look at the district by the numbers:
Community population (2011 census): Squamish 17,158; Whistler 9,824; Pemberton 2,369.
Historic district-wide student headcount: 4,184 (September 2009); 4,125 (2010); 4,190 (2011); 4,215 (2012).
School staff (as of May 31, 2013): 305 teachers; 36 teachers-on-call; 228 support staff; 23 principals and vice-principals; 15 senior and union-exempt staff.
Grade breakdown (as of September 2012): Kindergarten 321; Primary (Grades 1-3) 990; Intermediate (Grades 4-7) 1,224; Secondary (Grades 8-12) 1,604; Alternate school 76.
Student cohorts (as of Sept. 30, 2012): Aboriginal 585; English language and ESD learners 371; International students 149; French immersion 441; Students with special needs 495.
Aboriginal students in schools: Squamish 297 (11.5 per cent of overall student population); Whistler 11 (1.3 per cent); Pemberton 277 (36.5 per cent).
Comment on student population trend: "We are actually one of four school districts in B.C. that are growing. The high school numbers are falling, but there's a larger number of kids coming up through the lower grades. As the older kids graduate and the larger grades come through, our student population will continue to increase." - Ian Kent, assistant superintendent.
