On September 2nd, Education Minister, Adrianna LaGrange was joined by Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw to provide a short update on school re-entry. Both officials thanked teachers and school staff for their efforts in creating a safe school environment for students.

Last week, the federal government dispersed money to each province to assist with safe school re-entry. Alberta received approximately $262 million. During the update, LaGrange announced how the province will be using the money to assist schools.

“The majority of this funding,  $250 million,  will be distributed to school authorities based on a per student model. Based on the parameters set by the federal government, school authorities must use this funding to support additional COVID related costs in one or more of the following areas: staffing, adapting learning spaces and personal protective equipment, cleaning and safety considerations for schools and busses, supports for special needs students, and online learning and teacher training,” said LaGrange.

The Grande Prairie Catholic School Disctrict will be receivign $1,955,100. The Grande Prairie Public School District will receive $2,916,200. Peace Wapiti Public School Division is receiving $2,035,250. 

The remaining $12 million dollars in funding after the $250 will be allocated to providing support to schools that are experiencing greater enrollment due to the increased demand for online schooling.

The funding from these directives will be distributed once in September and again later in the school year.

Dr. Hinshaw addressed some of the concerns involving an order that was issued over the weekend. The order involved social distancing rules and masks usage in schools and was misinterpreted as hastily signed before the beginning of the school year.

“When our guidance was first released on school reopening in June, the distancing measures in class rooms were identical to what they are now. That is, where two meters is possible between seated students. That is the goal but where it is not possible, maximum spacing where students are not facing each other is an acceptable alternative,” the doctor clarified.

Hinshaw noted that the order resembles what other schools are practicing in British Columbia, Quebec, and Germany. 

“Facilitating our children’s ability to return to in-school classes has a significant overall benefit to their health and the long-term health of our population,” added Hinshaw.