Salmon Arm Urban and Rural Feeder School Reconfiguration Information

The reconfiguration of school catchments and grade transitions in the Salmon Arm urban and rural feeder school areas is a strategic initiative designed to reduce barriers for students. This work aligns with our District’s Strategic Plan, which prioritizes:

• Fewer transitions between schools, allowing students to build stronger relationships with peers and staff;
• Improved sense of belonging, especially for students with diverse abilities, Children and Youth in Care, and Indigenous students; and,
• Supporting academic success and well-being.

Three-Year Transition Plan (2025-2028)
The reconfiguration transition plan provides a phased approach for moving to a K-7, 8-12 configuration in the Salmon Arm area between 2025 and 2028. It includes timelines for adjustments to catchments and grade configuration.

To access the PDF versions, click on the following:  Transition Plan  and  New Catchment Area Maps . 

Background and Board Actions
At the Regular Board Meeting on June 18, 2024, the Board of Education passed the following motions:

• Rescind Motion 179/2021: That the Board of Education approve Option E5 in principle, of the Long-Range Facilities Plan, for the Salmon Arm region.
• Approve the E3 Option (K-7, 8-12 configuration) from the 2019-2029 Long Range Facilities Plan for Salmon Arm urban and rural feeder schools.
• Direct senior leadership to bring forth a recommendation for a two or three secondary school model to the Board for its consideration during the October 2024 Board Meeting.

Timeline of Key Decisions
November 2023-2024
The Board of Education directed senior leadership to explore and present reconfiguration options for Salmon Arm area schools. Public information and feedback sessions were held between December 2023 and April 2024 to gather input from students, staff, families, and community members.

June 2024
Following these consultations, the Board approved a move to a K–7, 8–12 configuration for Salmon Arm’s urban and rural feeder schools.

November 2024
The Board approved a two-secondary school model within the community of Salmon Arm and directed senior leadership to proceed with work related to:

• Defining new catchment boundaries;
• Developing a transition plan to support reconfiguration; and,
• Outlining feeder school systems for each secondary school.

January 2025
The Board approved the Three-Year Transition Plan (2025–2028) to guide implementation.

Key Themes and Rationale
Throughout the process, a consistent theme has been that reconfiguration is a complex undertaking with no single perfect solution. While it may not meet every individual preference, there is strong agreement that reducing the number of school transitions will:

• Strengthen student-staff relationships;
• Enhance students’ sense of belonging; and,
• Provide particular benefits for students with diverse abilities, Children and Youth in Care, and Indigenous students.

Board of Education Motions and Briefing Notes

District Correspondence to Families
January 22, 2025 – Salmon Arm Urban, Rural and Carlin, Sorrento New School Catchment Areas
April 10, 2025 – South Canoe Secondary School Transition Update