By ALEX McCUAIG Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on June 16, 2021.
amccuaig@medicinehatnews.com The Medicine Hat Public School Division is reversing its decision to charge a deposit for out-of-district students, which would have seen some in very specific situations pay more than $600 for summer school. Catharine Richardson, whose son Spencer was one of those facing the increase from the usual $60 rate, raised the concern with MLA Michaela Glasgo and school officials last week. She said she was shocked at the change, believed to be a side effect of the provincial government’s altered school funding system, which moved from per actual student to a weighted average model. “You’re faced with the cost on a very short timetable,” said Richardson. However, this week saw the school district revoke the need for the deposit, according to school officials. 7