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In the lead up to September, there was plenty of discussion about how many students would return to class when school started up.
Today, the ministry of education announced that it’s been a strong start to the school year, as 85% of students have returned for in-class learning despite concerns with COVID-19.
"It's been incredible to see so many students being able to connect with their teachers, support staff and classmates again, and that school districts developed remote options for other students across B.C.," said Rob Fleming, minister of education.
“I'm grateful to educators and staff for the innovation, collaboration and hard work that went into getting schools ready for this safe restart, with local solutions to meet the specific needs of students and families."
As part of summer preparation for this different type of school year, Fleming directed school districts to connect with families in their community to determine return to school plans before September.
“All school boards were given the authority to offer remote options to students within their districts, as well as the tools needed to increase their existing programs to meet any demand,” said a release from the ministry.
“If a family needed alternative learning options, school districts were expected to work with families to provide remote options that keep children connected to their school communities.”
The Government of BC provided $45.6 million for a safe K-12 school restart, which has been used largely to hire extra staff.
To date, 1,526 new positions have been created to help school districts run as smoothly as possible during COVID-19:
- 624 additional teachers hired in 34 school districts and 157,000 additional staff hours;
- 73 educational assistants hired in 12 school districts and 5,100 additional staff hours;
- 542 custodial staff in 38 school districts hired and 386,000 additional staff hours; and
- 287 positions such as school counsellors, bus drivers or administrative staff in 23 school districts and 38,000 additional staff hours.
More funding has also been provided for school districts to purchase non-medical masks, as every school in the province is following strict provincial health and safety guidelines.
In addition, Dr. Bonnie Henry announced on Thursday that BC has created a first-of-its-kind mouth rinse gargle sample collection as an easier way for students to be tested for COVID-19.
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