Powell River Regional District has once again approved an operating grant for Kelly Creek Community School to be considered in its 2015 budget process.
At its Thursday, January 22 meeting, the board was asked to concur with the recommendation of the rural services committee to accept the school’s 2013-2014 annual review and to send a letter to the Kelly Creek Community School Society acknowledging its efforts and accomplishments. The operating grant funding request from the school for 2015 is $46,440.
This compares to $45,088 in 2014, $43,775 in 2013, $42,500 in 2012 and 41,200 in 2011.
Maggie Hathaway, City of Powell River alternate director, asked why this money was paid to the school.
Area C Director Colin Palmer said the area has a function in recreation and one part of that is Kelly Creek Community School Association. He said the money is outside the school district budget and it assists the school.
“They put on a number of programs and over the years they’ve done an excellent job,” he said. “They provide an annual report of what they do.”
The grant, for example, has helped underwrite programs such as providing students breakfast.
“Some kids come to school without having breakfast,” Palmer said.
There are also evening programs at the school, run by the association.
Palmer said the increases in funding over the years have been in cost of living increments. Electoral Area C solely funds the grant through the community recreation service.
