School districts in B.C., including School District No. 91 (Nechako Lakes), will not have to pay their share of $25 million worth of provincial charges this year.
The provincial government says school districts worked hard to reduce their administrative costs and therefore the province is able to direct the $25 million back to school districts to help them deal with local cost pressures and provide front line services for students.
School District 91 will receive $253,903.
“We’re giving School District 91 the chance to invest in their priority projects and initiatives with this funding,” Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad said. “In doing so, the district can target investments in a way that best meets students’ needs.”
Education Minister Mike Bernier said school districts can use the funding any way they see fit - for hiring new teachers, for programs, or for maintaining schools despite falling enrolment in certain regions.
Manu Madhok, Assistant Superintendent for School District 91, said this that since this was a new funding announcement, the school district still has no specific plans for these funds.