B.C. parents win school playground refund

The B.C.government will refund parent advisory councils in 31 school districts $2.4 millionfor playground equipment already purchased.

Earlier this fall,Premier Christy Clark announced $8 million in funding for elementary and middle schools to upgrade their playground equipment but many PACs across B.C. had already fundraised to replace such equipment on their own.

Under the refund plan, schools that purchased adventure-style playground equipment between January 1 and September 2 this year, with the help of PAC-raised funds, will be eligible for up to $50,000 in reimbursements.

Education Minister George Abbott said the returned funds could be used to further enhance current playgrounds or make them moreaccessible to students with disabilities.

"Parent advisory councils work hard throughout the school year to raise money to support students and their learning, and it's great to be able to give back some of their hard-earned dollars," Abbott said.

But PAC chair Dave Miranda at Vancouver'sVan Horne Elementary, which misses out on the reimbursement plan by 30 days,says he is confused by the province's offer.

"Why would people be purchasing playgrounds in the dead of winter, only to put them upin that timeframe,"" Miranda said. "So we are trying to follow up on it and trying to get our name in there, to see if we can't make a difference and get some of that money back."

The provincial governmentalso plansto distributeapproximately $3.6 million across B.C. for further playground upgrades, repairs and replacements.