SD73 reacts to plans to change B.C.’s ‘one-size-fits-all’ funding model

“School District 73 over the last four or five years has been very proactive in this area,” says Sidow. “We actually did an internal review of our funding and did determine that additional resources were required in our rural communities in order to ensure equitable outcomes for students. When you have smaller cohorts of students such as we do in rural schools then it becomes very difficult to offer the full range of courses that students require in order to become successful.”

She adds by ensuring that there were additonal resources and funding to purchase staff resources, School District 73 was able to address what Horgan is calling the urban-rural divide.

“So, as I’ve said we’ve been very proactive in that. I would say that our board is interested and very supportive of the consultation process that’s been set out by the ministry to actually take a closer look at the funding model. Anything that provides differentiated funding to areas where we have need is something that we welcome.”

Does that mean more money is headed School District 73’s way?

“That is to be determined. We are hearing there won’t be additional money but rather it’s how they are carving up the pie will be changed and so we’ll have to wait and see what that looks like,” says Sidow. “We’ll give our feedback and our input at a regional meeting here in the very near future and we look forward to seeing the results of that and having voices reflected in the final funding model.”

She says one of the biggest areas of concern for students in rural areas includes transportation.

“So, finding the funding to ensure that kids have access to all the sports opportunities, recreational opportunities, and arts opportunities that are offered up in the City of Kamloops. And so as a result our district has enhanced the funding for transportation for our rural communities.”

Sidow says another concern they’ve had is that students find it difficult to offer some of the senior elective courses and the senior science and math courses that students want to access.

“So, our district has provided additional funds to those schools to boost their staffing so that they have more opportunities to access those courses. We also have web courses that students take through distributed learning as well as video conferencing. So there are other ways that students can access those senior level courses if they require them.”

by Greg Fry

SD73 reacts to plans to change B.C.’s ‘one-size-fits-all’ funding model

Our Community