Fewer students means less money for Sudbury schools, says Rainbow School Board Director

Next week marks the beginning of the 2016 school year, but some school boards will notice fewer students passing through the halls.

The Rainbow District School Board released its projected enrolment numbers yesterday, and said they expect 13,000 students this year, 250 students fewer than last year.

Declining enrolment across all boards has been the trend since 2006, said Norm Blaseg, the director of education for the RDSB.

"Sudbury has not experienced any major growth in terms of the population over the last number of years," Blaseg said, "and also, we're an aging population. So, that is a bit of a challenge for most school boards."

With shrinking numbers, the board will likely receive less funding from the government, Blaseg said.

"There are some budget challenges associated with [declining enrolment,]" Blaseg said "and obviously there are staffing adjustments that need to be made."