View From the Legislature

March feels like a very long time ago. Back when in-class learning was suspended prior to the traditional spring break, which was eventually extended for the balance of the school year, there was little that was certain about what lay ahead. However, one thing that was understood was that when schools returned to a more regular school schedule there would be additional health protocols that would be imposed that would come at a cost.

Of course, there were also savings that were garnered by Manitoba school divisions because of in-class learning being suspended in the spring. Recognizing those tax dollars would be needed this fall when it was hoped that schools could reopen, the Manitoba government asked school divisions to retain those savings. In total, approximately $48 million in savings were garnered and those funds are to be applied to the additional costs of reopening schools this spring.

Those additional costs would include such things as additional sanitization supplies and custodial staff, additional busing costs, technology costs and costs for additional substitute teachers and educational staff. While the $48 million that was available from the spring savings was important, it was understood that costs would be more than that amount. To ensure that school divisions knew that additional support would be available as they prepared to reopen schools at the beginning of September, the Manitoba government announced in August that there would be an additional $52 million available bringing the total to at least $100 million in accessible funds.

On Monday of this week, we provided school divisions and independent schools in Manitoba specific amounts that they have been allocated for these additional costs once they have expended their savings from the spring. As an example, the Hanover School Division will have more than $1.2 million available to them for the additional costs related to operating schools in the current context. This ensures that there is both confidence for the schools that their costs will be met and also certainty for taxpayers that funds are being used to help ensure schools can mitigate COVID-19.

In addition, there has been a commitment made by the federal government to provide additional support for the operation of Manitoba schools. While that funding has not yet been provided to Manitoba, planning is underway to use those resources to cover the additional costs of items such as described earlier as well as to use the funds to support remote learning for those students that have to remain at home because they have been advised to do so by public health or a physician.

The challenges that are faced by all those who are working in the school system are significant during this time. They all deserve appreciation and understanding. The provision of financial support to ensure that the health and safety protocols as outlined by public health can be met is important as they go about doing such important work for the benefit of young Manitobans.