School District 60 to continue tackling staffing, student attendance challenges in 2026

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — School District 60 is working to tackle persistent challenges around staffing and student attendance faced in schools in Fort St. John. 

That’s according to superintendent Stephen Petrucci, who spoke to Energeticcity.ca to reflect on the past year and hopes for 2026 as 2025 draws to a close. 

SD60 currently has about 40 teachers working under letters of permission, meaning they have postsecondary education but are not yet fully certified.

Petrucci added shortages also persist among educational assistants and casual bus drivers, especially in rural areas.

Student attendance is another concern. Petrucci said attendance rates have not returned to pre-pandemic levels.

“Attendance really has not come back to pre-Covid levels,” he said. “Students who miss school are missing learning, and that has an impact on their achievement.”

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Petrucci also reflected on several standout moments from the past year, including the Para Hockey Cup held in Dawson Creek earlier this month.

According to Petrucci, more than 1,000 SD60 students attended the games, with ticket costs covered by industry partners. 

Petrucci said 10 to 12 buses were sent for each game, creating what he described as an “electric” atmosphere.

“It was a very unique opportunity for our intermediate and middle school students to see para hockey in action,” he said.

Another major milestone in 2025 was the district’s approval of artificial intelligence guidelines.

Petrucci said a committee of teachers, administrators and a trustee worked extensively to develop policies, tools and programming to support responsible AI use by staff and students.

“We’re really trying to get ahead of the curve in terms of AI integration, both educationally and operationally,” he said.

Petrucci said the district’s Indigenous Education Council saw significant progress as well, incorporating new requirements under Bill 40, which is designed to improve attendance and education for Indigenous students.

“They’ve established a really positive culture and are making a difference for Indigenous student success,” Petrucci said.

Other highlights included the Project Heavy Duty event in the spring, which involved 16 students. The event is set to return in May 2026.

Looking ahead to 2026, Petrucci highlighted several upcoming developments, including the construction of eight new classrooms at Dr. Kearney Middle School, set to be completed by January, and the partial replacement of Wonowon Elementary School.

The district will also continue investing in outdoor education, with new improvements underway at the Cameron Lake Outdoor Education Centre.

Summing up his hopes for the year ahead, Petrucci said: “Safe operations and being able to hire quality staff amidst this provincial, national and global work shortage. That’s my hope for 2026.”