Enrolment in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district this year is lower than anticipated, meaning less funding, more empty classrooms and increased pressure for more school closures.

The final number of students registered in the district for 2007-08 was announced at Wednesday's business committee meeting. Secretary-treasurer David Green reported there are 14,748 students registered, 392 fewer students than last year.

"We're looking at a $1.2-million budget deficit next year and declining enrolment plays a big part of that," said school board chairman Jamie Brennan.

"It's hard to keep all the schools open and operating when facing funding shortfalls because we have to heat, clean and paint all of them. It puts more pressure on the school board to decide to close more schools."

Brennan said the declining enrolment is most significant in the Grade 12 and Grade 1 groups….

"It's the Grade 1 group that's causing us the most concern because we hoped we'd see more kids entering the system... to carry through the system until they graduate."

Brennan said it is becoming more difficult for people to have children because of a lack of affordable child-care spaces, the high cost of housing and the lack of high-paying jobs.