The provincial government has provided $114,620 to local Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) and the District Parent Advisory Committee (DPAC) in the Southeast Kootenay School District (SD5) to help support student activities outside of the classroom.

Councils in Cranbrook, Fernie, Elkford, Sparwood and Jaffray are receiving grants.

The funds will be used to enhance the student experience through extracurricular activities. These grants cover various costs, including sporting equipment, musical instruments, playground equipment and field trips.

“Several years ago when I was first elected, one of the first things we did was put parents back into our schools,” Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett said. “They had not been allowed to volunteer for many things and were being shut out. These PAC grants are annual grants and help empower parents to be involved in their child’s school, the way they have a right to be.”

The parent-run councils help ensure B.C.’s children have access to activities that ensure the development of a well-rounded educational background.

Overall, nearly $11.1 million has been delivered to more than 1,400 PACs and DPACs throughout British Columbia for the 2015-16 school year. The funding is through the provincial government’s community gaming grant programs.

Local PACs receive $20 per student, while DPACs receive a flat rate of $2,500. The grant funds must remain under the management and control of those that receive them. Funds cannot be used for, or transferred to, curricular purposes or to schools or school districts or their activities or programs.

The provincial government distributes $135 million annually in community gaming grants to benefit more than 5,000 local organizations representing virtually every community in the province.

Lead image: Elkford’s Rocky Mountain Elementary School.

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