Students in the Kamloops/Thompson School District will benefit from over $2.6 million in provincial funding for school upgrade projects, classroom supplies and new school buses, MLA Terry Lake announced today on behalf of Education Minister Mike Bernier.

The district will extend the life of Valleyview Secondary and Barriere Elementary schools with $1.2 million in School Enhancement Program funding to upgrade heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and plumbing lines. Every school district will receive a portion of this year’s $53-million investment, supporting 223 projects.

Under the new Student Learning Grant, the district will receive $731,202 to purchase classroom equipment and supplies such as textbooks, lab equipment and art supplies. The district will begin back-to-school planning with parents and teachers now to determine how best to use the one-time funding to reduce costs for parents and help teachers deliver B.C.’s new curriculum. This one-time grant is providing school districts with a total of $27.4 million.

Students in the district will also benefit from five 34-76 passenger school buses, thanks to $671,839 in School Bus Replacement Program funding. This year government is investing a total of $9.4 million to purchase about 71 new or replacement buses in 25 districts under the program.

As a result of B.C.’s strong economy and balanced budget, the Government of British Columbia is able to support record funding increases for students and B.C.’s education system. Budget 2017 commits an additional $740 million in operating funds over the next three years. Combined with $400 million in previously announced budget increases, this means an additional $1.1 billion in funding will benefit the K-12 system over the next three years. In addition, Budget 2017 supports $2 billion in capital spending to upgrade or build new schools over the next three years. 

Quotes:

Terry Lake, MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson –

“Barriere Elementary is just one great example of the 223 projects that are supported by the School Enhancement Program. As an educator, I understand the vital role that proper supplies and equipment play in education.”

Todd Stone, MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson –

“It’s great to see that institutions as important as Valleyview Secondary are receiving funding for important infrastructure upgrades and equipment. The five new buses will also be a great new addition in a district like Kamloops Thompson and will ensure children are able to get to school safely and reliably.”

Jackie Tegart, MLA for Fraser-Nicola –

“Funding that goes towards enhancing and maintaining the learning environments in our schools is essential for students’ success. Thanks to our government, millions of dollars are going to the Kamloops Thompson district for upgrades, new equipment and supplies, and to ensure that rural students can get to school on time and safely.”

Quick Facts:

• In total, government is investing $95 million under these programs to ensure students have the services, environment and tools they need to succeed. Every school district in B.C. will receive a portion of this funding.
• Including today’s announcement, government has invested a total of $153 million under the School Enhancement Program since it was launched in 2014. In total, almost 623 school improvement projects have been approved under the program.
• The Student Learning Grant provides one-time funding to help schools and teachers with the cost of classroom tools and equipment to support B.C.’s new curriculum. Of the $29.4-million grant, school districts are receiving a total of $27.4 million and independent schools are receiving $2 million.
• Each year, government spends about $5 million in Carbon Neutral Capital Program funding for school projects that cut greenhouse gas emissions.
• Each year, government provides about $10 million in School Bus Replacement Program funding to help school districts purchase new and replacement school buses to ensure students have access to safe and reliable transportation.

Learn More:

Student Learning Grant: http://ow.ly/ibEm309kJbQ

Carbon Neutral Capital Program: http://ow.ly/7rfi309kMdZ

School Capital Planning: http://ow.ly/slzM309kJwS

B.C.’s new curriculum: https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/