Sunshine Coast parent advisory councils (PACs) will receive just over $70,000 in community gaming grant funds, out of a total of $11 million going to more than 1,400 provincial PACs.
"To recognize the value of the parents' involvement in their children's education, this year we have doubled the grant to $20 for every student enrolled in B.C.," Housing and Social Development Minister Rich Coleman said in a news release.
The increase restores PAC funding back to where it was prior to 2009, when it was cut in half.
On the Coast, Gibsons area PACs will receive a total of $30,620, Sechelt area PACs, including those for Halfmoon Bay Community School and l'École du Pacifique will receive $28,280, Pender Harbour will receive $5,660, and Roberts Creek will receive $6,540.
Gaming grants for PACs support school drama and chess clubs, writing, debating and music competitions, student societies and travel in the province. Equally, they fund newsletters, yearbooks, playground and sports equipment, awards, trophies, scholarships and bursaries.
Provincial district parent advisory councils (DPACs) are also receiving $2,500 annual grants to build relationships and promote effective communication among schools, parents, students and the community. The funding can be used for educational and promotional materials, as well as administration and travel to DPAC meetings.
"Parents are key partners in the education system and do great work in support of students and educators," Minister of Education Margaret MacDiarmid said in the news release. "I know they will make excellent use of the resources that are available to them."
