Civil Municipal - May 2024

Most notably, the RCDSB has contracted through procurement process Garland Roofing for the past 25 years for its roofing solutions and has worked with the Nerva Energy Group to introduce new air treatment and filtration technologies into its school ventilation systems. It is also working with Envari Energy Solutions to replace the ventilation infrastructure at three of its high schools. This shows a commitment to the health and safety of the students and is one of many examples of the types of investments the Board is making to improve the student experience. Through strategic investments like this, the Board can effectively create conducive learning environments that empower students to thrive. When it comes to government investment in facility upgrades the Board is looking for more flexibility in how projects and programs are funded. This will allow it to continue to make its schools more accessible, and increase access to equipment and technology to meet the needs of students and ready them for the jobs needed in the local community today and the global community of the future. Recognizing the unique challenges of rural communities, RCDSB advocates for a flexible funding model tailored to local needs. With limited population base, older infrastructure and rising costs, rural schools require targeted investments to bridge the gap and unlock their full potential. Flexibility in funding allocation enables the board to nurture vital partnerships and drive community development initiatives in support of improved student achievement and well-being. According to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Susan Humphries, the trade and labour shortages are being felt across the nation are also true in rural areas, with added complexity of almost no public transportation and a smaller population base. School transportation costs are high, with no public alternative. This is one example of why a region-specific model is needed. “A rural funding model will address some of these broader pieces, but then the flexibility would allow us to invest where we need to,” Humphries says, explaining that successfully creating this model, like all things within the District, will involve 218 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 05