Province to consider more COVID-19 school safety funding applications

Saskatchewan schools will soon have a chance to receive a portion of another $64 million in funding aimed at keeping staff and students safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The provincial government will close applications at the end of day Tuesday for its COVID contingency fund in order to adjudicate requests.

“The second round of COVID contingency funding will ensure schools remain a safe place for students, staff and families,” said Education Minister Dustin Duncan in a news release. “These applications are in addition to our $51 million allocated in the first round of applications.”

The $150-million contingency fund was created to bankroll costs incurred by schools as they work to minimize the spread of COVID, including measures like sanitation, furniture and equipment, and remote learning.

There is $64 million still available in the fund, after $51 million was committed by the province in September to help schools ensure a safe return to class.

This second round of funding is expected to flow to successful applicants in early December.