NDP MLAs say Kootenay families will receive help with costs of school activities and supplies
NELSON – New Democrat MLAs Brittny Anderson and Katrine Conroy say that families who are struggling with expenses for school activities will be receiving more support from their school districts.
“No child should miss out on special activities, trips, or memorable school moments due to financial constraints,” emphasized Brittny Anderson, MLA for Nelson-Creston. “This funding marks an important step in supporting children and fostering inclusivity within our schools.”
Local school districts are receiving the following funding from the province to help schools provide support directly to families:
- SD #8 – Kootenay Lake School District, $100,000
- SD #10 – Arrow Lakes School District, $100,000
- SD #20 – Kootenay-Columbia, $173,000
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.
“As a mom and a granny, I know that parents already have a lot on their plates – they shouldn’t have to worry about their child missing out on school supplies or sports teams,” said Katrine Conroy, MLA for Kootenay-West. “We’re helping our local school districts to support families, so that everyone can have a fun and successful school year.”
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:
- SD #8 – Kootenay Lake School District, $644,263
- SD #10 – Arrow Lakes School District, $350,000
- SD #20 – Kootenay-Columbia, $513,092
Learn More:
Student and Family Affordability Fund: news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024ECC0013-000293
Feeding Futures Fund: news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023ECC0020-000424