Manitoba Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced on Monday, August 24, 2020, an additional $52 million will be made available as part of the Safe Schools fund.

The province had previously announced $48 million would be used as part of the fund from money not used by schools after classroom learning was suspended in March. The total available in the fund with this announcement is $100 million.

All school divisions will be able to access the Safe Schools funding which will be used to directly support schools, teachers and students.

“We know that our education system needs to be ready to deal with today’s pandemic reality as students and staff return to the classroom, and our government is delivering the financial support to help school divisions meet that need,” said Goertzen.

The one-time, focused funding can be spent on:

• providing non-medical and medical masks and personal protective equipment for students, teachers and staff;
• enhancing cleaning and sanitization, including more supplies and custodial staffing;
• increasing bus transportation capacity, including additional bus drivers and routes; and
• ensuring substitute teachers and educational staff are available to keep schools open and children learning.

According to the minister the funds will be allocated to school divisions and independent schools as needed.

The minister noted that schools are expected to spend the money that was saved in the spring before applying for additional costs to be covered.

Goertzen said, “The province will continue to work closely with public health, education stakeholders, school divisions, independent schools, parents, caregivers and students as part of its response to COVID-19 and a safe return to school.”

© News4.ca 2020