Prince George, B.C.- The Provincial Budget presented today may offer some optimism for School Districts struggling with funding issues.

·        Additional $150 million over three years to fully fund teachers wages and benefits and offset other cost pressures

·        Per pupil funding will increase to $8,301

·        $110 million to School Districts between now and March of next year for annual facilities grants

·        Funding for full day kindergarten to increase to $129 million by 2012

School District 57  is in the process of contemplating the closure of at least eleven schools and the reconfiguration of three others in an effort to recover more than $7 million dollars in their funding shortfall.  School District 57 Board  of Trustees Chair , Lyn Hall says  the  four items are  positive news,  but  the real  impact  isn't yet clear "It's a little too early to tell if it is going to save any of the schools,  the real picture will be clear on the 15th when the Province delivers the  School District Budget." 

Hall says he is encouraged to hear the  annual facility grants will return, but  it isn't yet known just how much  the School District 57  share will be.  The School District  used to receive $3.4 million dollars in  facility grants.