York Region boards to receive $18M to keep students, staff safe

Money comes from federal Safe Return to Class Fund

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 16, 2021

Ontario is funneling $18,419,031 in federal funding to York Region boards to keep both students and staff safe.

York Region District School Board will receive $11,769,422; York Catholic District School Board, $4,752,004; and Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir, $1,897,605 from the federal Safe Return to Class Fund.

"To protect Ontario students and staff, and with the aim of reopening all schools, we have again strengthened our plan with tougher measures and new investments," Education Minister Stephen Lecce, who is also MPP for King-Vaughan, said.

"We agree with parents and medical experts that kids need to be learning in class -- alongside their friends and teachers -- as it is crucial for their mental well-being and development. We will continue to follow expert medical advice and work to get all schools open, for children in all regions of our province."

A total of $113,668,583 in COVID-19 resources have now been allocated to these three school boards.

The federal Safe Return to Class Fund is providing funding in two phases. The first instalment of $381 million, as announced Aug. 26, is being used to support a number of priority provincial initiatives related to the safe reopening of schools.

The allocations are proposed by Ontario, but require federal approval.