The Bluewater District School Board is going to use up to 2% of its operating budget to help with the safe reopening of schools in September.
The board held a special meeting last night to pass the motion.
This motion follows the Ministry of Education's recent announcement allowing Ontario school boards to access up to two percent of any accumulated surplus as part of return to school planning.
While staff have yet to determine the specifics, the money will be used to help with various COVID-19 related expenses and practical items to enhance safety measures for students and staff this school year.
"Our reserves are built from trustees' years of hard work and ongoing mid to long term planning for our schools and facilities", says Chair Jan Johnstone. "This is not new funding for us, and as a small rural board, we are extremely limited in what we can allocate from our reserves. However, our highest priority right now is ensuring we do all that we can to provide for a safe return to school for our students and staff."
