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District starts work on budget

North Okanagan-Shuswap has an estimated operating grant of $61.4 million for 2017/18.
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The North Okanagan-Shuswap School District is receiving funding for two new buses. (photo submitted)

Financial planning is underway in the North Okanagan-Shuswap School District.

The district has been told by the Ministry of Education that it has an estimated operating grant of $61.4 million for 2017/18.

“We are just getting started in the budget process to see how we will spend that money,” said Nicole Bittante, secretary-treasurer.

On another note, the ministry has supported the district’s annual five-year capital plan submission.

The plan includes roof repairs at Hillcrest, North Shuswap, Pleasant Valley, Shuswap Middle, Silver Creek and Sorrento schools and heating and ventilation upgrades at Eagle River Secondary.

Transportation resources have also been bolstered.

“We got two buses but we would have liked four or six,” said Mike McKay, trustee.

Program a success

A new chapter is evolving for literacy in the North Okanagan-Shuswap School District.

The literacy intervention program began six years ago and data following the same students over six years at six schools has been released.

“With intense intervention, we can go from 100 per cent of kids not reading to 20 to 25 per cent not reading,” said Carol Cooper, director of instruction.

“That’s not just reading success, that’s life success.”

As part of the program, students with learning disabilities are identified.

“It’s important to get them the right support,” said Cooper.