The Province of B.C. this year will provide close to half a million dollars in funding for school supplies, class trips and programs at the Comox Valley School District.

In a release dated April 5, Courtenay-Comox MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard announced that SD71 will receive $422,000 for student support.

鈥淭his funding will help students in our region to access the essential school supplies, extracurricular activities, and nutritious meals that will allow them to thrive,鈥� said Leonard. 鈥淏y investing in programs that empower families, nurture children, and support students鈥� ability to learn, we are investing in B.C.鈥檚 future.鈥�

The money comes from the Student and Family Affordability Fund, according to the release. Twenty million dollars is scheduled for the fund in total this spring.

Media spokesperson for Comox Valley Schools Craig Sorochan told the Record the schools are happy about the announcement.

鈥淲e are grateful for this support from the province, which will enable us to provide essential school supplies, cover activity fees, and ensure that all our students have equal opportunities to participate in school life,鈥� said Sorochan.

He added that the district will consult with several groups to identify the best way the community wants to spend the money.

鈥淐omox Valley Schools will be consulting with partner groups, such as the Indigenous Education Council, and the District Parent Advisory Council to ensure the (funds) are utilized in a manner that is both inclusive and sensitive to the unique needs of all our students.鈥�

Besides the Comox Valley School District, nearby districts also received announcements of funding. The Pacific Rim School District is slated to receive $125,000, while the Qualicum School District will receive $138,000.

鈥淔amilies 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鈥� said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why we鈥檙e 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.鈥�

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