Rocky View Schools (RVS) is among school divisions receiving federal funding to help cover COVID-19 related expenses.

Today it was announced the division will receive $9,285,850 from a pool of $250 million being divided between all divisions. The funds are being allotted on a per-student basis.

RVS superintendent Greg Luterbach says not only s the funding appreciates but the latitude given to divisions on how best to use the money towards COVID-19 measures.

"The flexibility and autonomy provided by the provincial government allows RVS to make decisions that are best for our students, families and staff," says Luterbach.

He says division officials will be meeting over the next couple of weeks to decide how the funding will be used. 

Alberta Education minister Adrianna LaGrange provided an oversight on how the money can be used for CVID-related expenses in a press conference earlier today.

  • Staffing
  • Adapting learning spaces and personal protective equipment
  • Cleaning and safety considerations for schools and buses
  • Supports for special needs students
  • Online learning and teacher training

“School authorities said that they wanted as much flexibility as possible to use this funding in ways that are most important for their schools and communities," says LaGrange. "I recognize the importance of this, and am pleased to set broad criteria for use of this funding. I would also like to express appreciation to the federal government for identifying these dollars to help with a successful school year.”

The Calgary Catholic School District has received $20.6 million to use for all of their schools. Two of them--the Holy Spirit and St. Timothy High School--are located in Cochrane. 

The other $12 million will assist school authorities who are seeing a large influx in enrolment due to increased demand for their online learning program.

The funds will be provided in two payments, the first of which is expected this month.