Almost $700,000 to support kids and families affected by inflation

As you may have heard today, the Government of British Columbia announced a one-time fund of $60 million to support BC kids and families affected by recent inflation and cost of living challenges.

Here at New Westminster Schools, our allocation of the Student and Family Affordability Fund will result in the transfer of almost $700,000.

We will be taking the next few weeks to consult with schools, parents, and other key stakeholders to determine how this money can best support the specific needs of families in our community, as we work as partners to distribute this funding. This will include looking at:

• Possible expansions to meal programs through food purchases or subsidies, as we work to ensure kids have easy access to healthy breakfasts and lunches,
• How funding may be able to cover field trip, school, and other activity fees – to ensure costs are never a barrier to full participation in learning,
• And where additional supports for those facing financial hardships may be needed.

We know how important this funding will be to all students and families, but particularly those who have been the most impacted by affordability challenges over the last year. We thank you for your patience as we seek more guidance on the details and determine how these funds can be most equitably applied. We will follow up later in September with more information on this good news.

Sincerely,
Karim Hachlaf
Superintendent of Schools / CEO

 

PDF: Superintendent letter on announcement of the Student and Family Affordability Fund