Education Minister Adriana LaGrange. (Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Province outlines how $262-million in federal school funds will be spent

Sep 2, 2020 | 11:15 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – School boards in Alberta are learning how a significant investment from the federal government will be allocated.

Ottawa announced last week that they would be dolling out $2-billion to all provinces and territories with Alberta being given $262-million.

READ MORE: Local school boards set to receive millions in federal funding for COVID-19 costs

Education Minister Adriana LaGrange says this money will be transferred to the province in two phases – one in September and one later in the school year.

It must be used to support additional COVID-19 related costs. This can include:

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• Staffing
• Adapting learning spaces and personal protective equipment
• Cleaning and safety considerations for schools and buses
• Supports for special needs students
• Online learning and teacher training

The bulk of these funds, $250-million, be distributed on an equal per-student basis with the remaining $12-million being dedicated to support school districts who are seeing a large influx in enrolment in online programs.

This represents an increase in total funding of about $350 per student for the school year.

“School authorities said that they wanted as much flexibility as possible to use this funding in ways that are most important for their schools and communities,” says LaGrange. “I recognize the importance of this, and am pleased to set broad criteria for use of this funding. I would also like to express appreciation to the federal government for identifying these dollars to help with a successful school year.”

Grants will be distributed using the same model for public, separate, Francophone, charter and independent schools, and early childhood service providers.