The Provincial Government announced this morning that it will be giving $60 million to school districts to help combat inflation that parents and students are experiencing.
School District 57 will be receiving $1,439,982 from this fund.
Cindy Heitman, the Superintendent of Schools at SD57 says the funding is still new to them as well, and they do not have a complete spending plan ironed out yet, but will begin by focusing primarily on school meal programs and offsetting the cost of school supplies to many families.
“We can assure families we will be increasing our access to meals programs as a priority, and if families need additional supports they should reach out to their school” she said.
Heitman also said they will be consulting with the local Indigenous communities, and the district Parent Advisory Council.
“We can’t assume that we know what all students need, and it is important to hear from the communities before we finalize our spending decisions” she said.
Heitman says the news is very welcome, mentioning the price of gas and food in Prince George and other SD57 communities like Mackenzie, McBride, and Valemont.
Three years ago, she says the district statistics say 30% of students were utilizing their “access to meals” programs.
“I would suspect that number has gone up with the cost of inflation. I think it would be fair to say that approximately 40% of our students will be impacted by these additional supports.”
The district and the schools will be providing communication in the coming weeks regarding this funding, but Heitman says parents who need extra aid can reach out to their schools directly.
You can find the government’s $60 million spending breakdown here.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
