NDP MLAs Leonard and Osborne say families will receive help with costs of school activities and supplies
CUMBERLAND – New Democrat MLAs Ronna-Rae Leonard and Josie Osborne say families who are struggling with expenses for school activities will be receiving more support from their school districts.
“This funding will help students in our region to access the essential school supplies, extracurricular activities, and nutritious meals that will allow them to thrive,” said Ronna-Rae Leonard, MLA for Courtney-Comox. “By investing in programs that empower families, nurture children, and support students’ ability to learn, we are investing in B.C.’s future.”
Local school districts are receiving the following funding from the province to help schools provide support directly to families.
- Qualicum School District #69, $138,000
- Pacific Rim Scholl District #70, $125,000
- Comox Valley School District #71, $422,000
Funding will help pay for student necessities, such as school supplies, school fees and class trips, as well as additional costs associated with joining a school sports team or music program.
“Families are feeling the pinch of the cost of living, and they need all the help they can get so kids can access class trips, school supplies, and programs like music and sports, regardless of financial constraints” said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim. “That’s why we’re providing funding to schools in the Pacific Rim, Qualicum, and Comox Valley school districts so students and families can thrive and feel empowered to participate equally in school activities.”
The support comes from the Student and Family Affordability Fund, which is being replenished with an additional $20 million this spring. More than $60 million has been provided to school districts provided through this program over the past two years.
This is on top of the largest investment in school food programs in the province’s history. The Feeding Futures Fund has dedicated $214 million over three years to create and expand local school food programs.
Local school districts received the following funding from the province for food programs during this school year.
- Qualicum School District #69, $519,738
- Pacific Rim Scholl District #70, $483,245
- Comox Valley School District #71, $1,141,262
Learn More:
Student and Family Affordability Fund: news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024ECC0013-000293
Feeding Futures Fund: news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023ECC0020-000424