Parents say NLESD has 10-12K They Raised Through Fundraising

Parents in Lethbridge, NL are upset and looking for answers after they say that the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District received between $10,000 and $12,000 from money raised for the Grade 12 graduation. A graduation that due to COVID-19, did not happen.

Newfound News was contacted by several parents in the area that said while the $150.00 graduation fee was returned, the money raised from fundraising through goods bingo's and dances, etc. was not.

One parent, Kerri Smith-Peach, says that she feels as though the money should be returned and divided evenly amongst the graduating class.

Another parent, who did not want to be identified, says that he contacted Education Minister Tom Osborne, MHA Craig Pardy, and NDP Leader Alison Coffin.

Newfound News contacted the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District, the District said that in the interest of transparency and accountability, all funds raised through the school are considered school-generated funds.

While the emailed statement says it's unfortunate that the public health emergency impacted schools’ ability to hold graduation functions, as outlined in the policy and regulations, it is appropriate to allow these funds to be retained by the school.

The school administration has indicated that all funds paid for grad have been reimbursed, but the funds raised through group fundraising activities must remain with the school.

The administration, in consultation with the school council, must approve an alternate use of the funds to benefit the school. While these situations are clearly disappointing to all involved, it is quite common for graduating students to participate in school or team fundraisers in their graduating year and have unspent funds left to benefit future students.