Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools received just under $1.5 million in provincial money to support back to school costs for families. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

SCHOOL CASH

Nearly $2 million in back-to-school funding available for mid-Island parents

Aug 29, 2022 | 3:02 PM

NANAIMO — Provincial cash to flowing through local school districts in a bid to make the return to class more affordable.

Just under $2 million is earmarked for students in Nanaimo-Ladysmith and Parksville-Qualicum to use for meal programs, school supplies and covering fees for field trips or other school activities.

“Many families in B.C. are feeling the effects of global inflation on daily costs, including groceries, school supplies and other school expenses,” Jennifer Whiteside, minister of education, said in a release.

Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools received $1,458,182, while School District No. 69 Qualicum got $448,698 in one time funding.

A representative for School District 68 told NanaimoNewsNOW there are no specific plans for the money but they’ll work with parent advisory councils to determine where it can be of best use.

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Chris Schultz-Lorentzen, president of the BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils said in the release, costs continue to rise everywhere.

“Parent advisory councils across the province know all too well that the increasing costs of school supplies, healthy food, and school activity charges are just some of the items that make the return to school a financial hardship for some parents.”

Money awarded is part of a $60 million pool province wide with Nanaimo receiving the 15th highest amount across B.C. and second behind Greater Victoria on Vancouver Island.

A total of $3.8 million is also being made available for Independent Schools across the province to support families outside the provincial school system.

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