Vice-Chair Tim Bennett & Chair Sharel Warrington – photo 250 News

Prince George, B.C. – The Prince George School Board expressed its funding needs to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services at the Ramada this evening.

Vice-Chairperson Tim Bennett reminded the all-party committee that the annual facility grant is $3.2 million and asked that government increase that over five years by about 50%.

“71% of our schools are rated as in poor condition,” he told them.

Things are so challenging Bennett told the committee, that they had to go forward with $400,000 in roof repairs to one school and it took up 12.5% of their budget.

Bennett says funding facility repairs (i.e to repair heating and ventilation systems, repainting) is crucial to provide proper learning conditions for students, especially the most vulnerable.

“In our rural communities children rely on the academic, athletic, recreational and cultural opportunities our schools provide.”