It was announced this week by new Premier Scott Moe, School Divisions will receive extra funding in the amount of $7.5 million with extra funding to total $30 million in the 2018/2019 Budget.

Reactions to the news are coming in and Holy Family Separate School Division are pleased.

"Additional funds always are welcomed. Holy Family will be happy to accept more funding from the ministry," explained Gwen Keith, Director of Education, Holy Family Seperate School Division who went on to say their portion is roughly $48,000 for the next four months.

The School Division will be working on a decision in what to do with the extra funding. There are five schools in the school division and the needs will be assessed across the division before decisions are made but Keith did say they want to make sure the process is fair.

"Everybody could use more manpower but we will have to look at a way to use the funds we have been given, in a way that has good impact but at the same time has flexibility as we do our planning next year."

Due to the budget cuts Holy Family School Division had to dip into reserves around $200,000 to pay staff last year.

"It's a challenge as we face next years budget, to be able to address the needs that we have in schools to be able to go forward but certainly the direct impact on students is the key prioity," said Keith and went on to say it's a matter of prioritising staffing in schools and at the system level to be as proactive and productive they can be.

Positions at the school division office were amalgamated as staff either retired or moved elsewhere. None of the staff lost their jobs but there was an increase in responsibilities.

"The Ministry is also promising additional funds for school divsions for next year but we wait to be presented with exactly how that breakdown will take place through the funding formula."