170 fewer students in Mackenzie schools than last year

It isn't a surprise that enrollment numbers are down in Mackenzie schools this year.

Mackenzie has been hit hard by the decline in the forestry industry, and District 57 school board officials are watching enrollment numbers closely this week to see how many students will come back for school this year.

School superintendant Brian Pepper says there are 80 fewer secondary students registered this year than last year. Pepper says he's happy to report, however, that elementary school numbers are up slightly and it makes up for the difference.

Pepper says they had projected last spring 646 students would be back this fall, and says they are right on target.

There were a total of 816 students in secondary and elementary schools last year. So far, 646 have registered in Mackenzie schools this year.