**The Board of Education of School District No. 5 (Southeast Kootenay)** is a Canadian nonprofit organization responsible for public education in southeastern British Columbia. Registered under the business number **891358277RR0001**, the district serves communities in the rugged Kootenay region, including Cranbrook, Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford, and surrounding rural areas such as Baynes Lake and Jaffray[2][3][5].

Geographically, the district spans a resource-rich area known for mountain landscapes, lakes, and forests, with an approximate regional population of 36,000[3][5]. The economy relies on mining, forestry, tourism, and related industries, while residents engage in outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and fishing[3][5].

The district prioritizes academic excellence, innovation, and community involvement, aiming to graduate students "with dignity, purpose and options"[3]. It emphasizes co-curricular activities and values-driven education to foster confidence and citizenship[3]. Fernie Secondary School recently gained attention when a student advanced to the Canada-wide Science Fair[1].

School closures due to declining enrollment include Muriel Baxter Elementary (2007), Max Turyk Elementary (2007), Mountain View Elementary (2008), and Elkford Elementary (early 2000s), the latter destroyed by fire in 2007[2].