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COVID-19

Enhanced COVID-19 cleaning protocols within SD57 expected to stay in place

Jul 6, 2021 | 5:04 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – After a financial package from the province, school districts across the province will now have the funds necessary to keep cleaning protocols the same post-pandemic.

The School District 57 District Parent Advisory Council was pleased with the announcement, saying the funding top-up was much needed to keep schools clean.

“I think the schools this year were the cleanest they’ve ever been,” said DPAC Chair, Andrea Beckett.

Beckett says SD57 has been drastically underfunded over the last decade, and having ‘a few extra pennies’ in her words was a big help for a district that covers so much area.

SD57 Acting Superintendent Cindy Heitman said she wasn’t sure how much money the district would be getting back in June, however, she was pleased with the top-up.

In addition to cleaning, the funding will aid Indigenous-related initiatives in the district something which Heitman says aligns with their strategic plan.

More details on the exact amount of dollars is expected later this summer.

According to the province, last year increased funding helped B.C. school districts hire approximately 2,100 additional staff, including teachers and education assistants (EAs), as well as custodial and other support staff, many of which will now stay for next school year.