The Premier made a major announcement in Quesnel today (June 15) designed to keep rural schools, slated for closure, open.
Christy Clark announced a 2.5 million dollar Rural Education Enhancement Fund at this afternoon’s Chamber of Commerce luncheon in the Billy Barker Casino showroom.
Clark confirms that the money will be available annually.
The criteria takes into account enrollment, is it the only school in the community and how long is the bus ride for students to get to another school.
Two rural schools, Kersley and Parkland, are slated for closure in the Quesnel School District.
Premier Clark acknowledged that her government can’t make school districts apply to it but she feels Quesnel’s will, and she says if they do they will get the money to keep both schools open.
Clark also announced that Districts will work with Linda Larson, who the new Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Education.
Larson and Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development Donna Barnett have also been tasked to conduct a study of rural education funding in the province to seek a long-term solution.
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