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Sep 20, 2026 at 6:03 pm
School Trustee 73 - TEA1
Darryl Schmidt asks:
Growth and school capacity: As Kamloops continues to grow, how should the district deal with overcrowded schools, portable classrooms, catchment changes, and the need for new schools or major expansions?
Candidate Answers
I believe the district needs to manage space pressures with students, families and finances in mind. Without new schools being built, we are left with limited options for managing capacity pressures. Adding portables where they are needed, considering catchment changes and exploring modular expansions at a couple of schools are all options we can consider to help ensure the best learning environment possible for students.
Catchment changes can be very difficult for students and families. I understand how difficult those decisions are, particularly when students are separated from some of their peers and the school community they know.
At the same time, every catchment change or additional bus route creates costs for the district that aren’t necessarily supported through additional provincial funding. That is why we need to continue advocating for permanent capital investment.
Our long-term planning also needs to consider the age and condition of our existing schools and the significant costs associated with remediation and upgrades. New permanent schools could provide greater flexibility to undertake renovations or replacements of ageing infrastructure without putting additional pressure on already crowded schools.
For me, it’s about balancing immediate capacity needs with responsible long-term planning, minimizing disruption for families, and making sure we advocate for the provincial investment our communities need.
