B.C. announces plan for $242 million in safe schools federal funding

B.C.’s education minister has outlined how $242 million in federal funding will be used to make schools safer for students and staff.

Rob Fleming said the first half of the payment is expected to be received this month.

Fleming told a media conference on Thursday $101 million will go to public school districts, $8 million to independent schools and $12 million will be used for any for emerging Covid issues between now and the end of December.

“Our province is taking the best, science-based public health advice and planning to have as many children as possible back in classrooms this fall, which is why we have been talking with the federal government about the need for more resources for our schools,” said Fleming. “We are appreciative of this additional support to provide more resources to districts and independent school authorities, so they can continue providing ongoing learning opportunities in a safe way.”

The ministry is expected to receive up to an additional $121 million in January, which will be allocated out at that time.

The minister said the funding will be used by school districts to hire more teachers and support staff for remote and in-class learning, to buy more software licences and textbooks; computers for families in need, and to improve internet access.

“This funding will also allow schools to expand their health and safety measures, things like improving ventilation in buildings, the purchase of more PPE, the installation of additional plexiglass barriers and to hire more custodial and support staff. Every dollar of the federal funding announced will benefit students in B.C.,” Fleming said.

Ottawa’s cash is being added to the $45.6 million in new provincial funding to ensure a safe restart for schools next week.

Minister Fleming noted District 23, Central Okanagan, has used its funding to purchase 53 electro-static sprayers, one for each school, 40 hand-held units for cleaning buses, and to supply hand sanitizer to over 1,000 classrooms. The district has also bought 40 hand washing stations for portable classrooms so every portable in the district has a sink.