By rdnewsNOW staff

Funding Allocation

Red Deer Public Schools welcomes federal funds to address COVID-19

Sep 3, 2020 | 3:54 PM

Red Deer Public Schools has announced how they will be spending over $3.9 million in federal funding allocated by the province this week to help schools reopen safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The money is part of a $2 billion federal funding announcement made Aug. 26 to help Canadian schools obtain the supports they need during the pandemic, with Alberta’s share at $262 million.

In total, the provincial government is distributing $250 million to local school jurisdictions on a per student basis. Red Deer Public’s portion of those funds with 11,000 students is $3,921,750.

Provincial officials say this represents about $350 per student for the upcoming school year. Alberta’s funding is based on Census population data for ages 4-18.

Following federal conditions on the use of funds, Red Deer Public Schools will allocate funding to support COVID-19 related costs in staffing, adapting learning spaces, Personal Protective Equipment, cleaning and safety considerations, as well as online learning.

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Specific allocation in these areas include:

• Personal Protective Equipment – $127,000
• Additional cleaning and caretaking supplies – $613,000
• Staffing and supports for at-home learning – $1.26 million
• Anticipated substitute costs related to COVID-19 illness and isolation of staff – $1.86 million

Red Deer Public Schools Board Chair Nicole Buchanan says the money will go a long way towards keeping everyone safe.

“With health and safety obviously being the most paramount concern with our re-entry and knowing that it was going to cost some dollars, we had actually discussed going into our reserves,” says Buchanan. “So we welcome this money from the federal government to prevent us from going into our reserves.”

Government officials note funding is provided by the federal government in two phases – a September payment and a payment later in the school year. The province, however, must provide an outline of how funding was used in phase one, along with how additional funding would be used for the remainder of the school year before the funds are provided in phase two.

Though still waiting for the first funds to arrive, Buchanan says Red Deer Public Schools remains diligent in its efforts for a safe re-entry for students, staff, and teachers.

“Over 90 per cent of our students have returned to at-school learning which started this week on Sept. 1 with a staggered entry of students,” she explains. “The remaining students are being supported with at-home learning. Our initial response from students, parents and staff has been overwhelmingly positive and we salute our schools and staff for being well prepared and excited to welcome students back.”

“We are doing our absolute best for every single student and staff and family member within our community to have a great school year this year – regardless of their situation,” adds Buchanan.

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools is set to receive $3,495,100 for the same COVID-19 support initiatives. Last school year, the district reported having 10,455 students.

“We are pleased that the Federal Government provided $3.5 million to our school division for COVID-19 relief and that we have the autonomy from the provincial government to distribute the funds according to our needs. Our Senior Administration is currently working diligently on a plan on how we will spend these dollars,” said Acting Superintendent, Kathleen Finnigan at Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools.

Related: Alberta announces allocation for $262M in federal COVID-19 school funding

Related: Trudeau announces up to $ 2 billion for safe return to school