More money for Schools as part of Provincial response to COVID-19

The provincial government is providing some additional financial resources for School Districts across the province this week, releasing COVID-19 funding from the Federal government, the first instalment of the federal cash to be released.

The money has been earmarked to support the School District's which so far hav hired 1,868 new staff, purchased almost 2.5 million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE), installed or upgraded more than 5,800 hand hygiene or washing stations, and upgraded 45,283 air or ventilation filters. 

“School is the best place for most students to learn, and it’s so important for their social and emotional well-being. We know this funding is making a tremendous difference for students and staff, keeping our schools open and supporting our safety plans during the pandemic.” -- Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Education

The reserve funding that is now being released to all school districts to cover emerging expenses,  including for additional staff or cleaning if an exposure has occurred at a school or refreshing stocks of additional cleaning supplies and PPE as needed.

The second instalment of 121.2 million in federal funds is anticipated to be released in January and build on the 45.6 million dollars of funding through the province's COVID-19 investment in education.

The need for more protective measures in local schools was a key focus for a recent caravan in Prince Rupert that organized by the Prince Rupert and District Teachers' Union took the message of local teachers, staff and parents to the School District Offices earlier this month.

For more background on this weeks funding see the provincial notice here.

More notes on education in the Northwest can be explored here.