December 7, 2011
NO MONKEYING AROUND: MORE FUNDING FOR SCHOOL PLAYGROUNDS

MISSION – Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) at two Mission public schools are receiving a total of $52,000 in reimbursements for playground equipment.  The funding is part of $2.4 million to reimburse PACs throughout the province that recently purchased playground equipment with funds they raised.

The following schools in School District 75 (Mission) will receive a playground reimbursement for their PACs:
• École Christine Morrison Elementary ($39,000)
• Deroche Elementary ($13,000)

Why this matters:
This reimbursement recognizes PACs for their hard work and commitment to students.
• This money is part of the $8-million over two years that Premier Christy Clark announced in September for new playgrounds, reimbursements, and playground upgrades, repairs and replacements.
• School districts were asked to identify schools that had purchased adventure-style playground equipment using PAC-raised funds since January 1, 2011, which was eligible for reimbursement under this program.

Quotes:
“As someone who has taught elementary school, I know that playgrounds are an exciting part of the day and their safety is paramount. This funding will help schools replace aging playgrounds with safer, more enjoyable equipment.”  
-Maple Ridge-Mission MLA Marc Dalton

“This equipment is integral to helping students develop active, healthy lifestyles, and I’m very pleased we are helping local PACs with this worthwhile investment.” 
-Abbotsford-Mission MLA Randy Hawes

Quick Facts:
• Based on school district input there are 102 public elementary and middle schools that are eligible to receive a reimbursement towards PAC playground contributions. This spans across 31 school districts.
• Each PAC was eligible to receive up to a maximum of $50,000 depending on how much they contributed to the project.
• School districts will be reimbursed directly by the Ministry of Education, and will be responsible for ensuring their PACs are reimbursed appropriately.
• The first round of funding supported 40 new playgrounds for elementary and middle schools that were identified as not having a playground but wanting one, for a total of $2 million.
• The final phase of the playground program will see approximately $3.6 million being distributed for high-priority playground upgrades, repairs and replacements.

Learn More:
• For more information on Education in B.C. visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/bced/
• PACs having concerns about the dollar amounts shown above, or the eligibility of schools not listed, should contact their school district directly. Contact information can be found here: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/apps/imcl/imclWeb/SchoolBoardSelector.do

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