Okanagan Skaha school district announces childcare funding, new inclusiveness policy

PENTICTON – The YMCA in Penticton is getting a $500,000 grant provincial government to create childcare spaces at Queen's Park Elementary.

The Okanagan Skaha school board supported the successful grant application for the $500,000 whcih will beused to fund 59 childcare spaces at the school, according to board chair Linda Van Alphen. A portable will be placed on the school property to house the children.

Naramata Community Playschool also received a $140,000 grant from the same provincial program. The funds will be put towards renovating space at Naramata Elementary to provide a permanent place for the playschool.

The Okanagan Skaha school district will receive $167,000 in provincial transportation funding earmarked for the elmination of school bussing user fees. The school board does not charge for bussing, so plans are being developed to use the funding for other projects.

The board committed to creating an LGBTQ+ policy last June, and more recently at the September business committee meeting staff were given direction to develop a draft policy for review.

Policies presently in place relating to harassment, threats, racial prejudice and violence will be reviewed following implementation of the new LGBTQ+ policy.

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