Two days ahead of their students, Okanagan teachers returned to school Tuesday to prepare for the start of classes.

The Central Okanagan School district is spending nearly one million dollars on additional custodial staffing and more than $90,000 on reusable cloth masks for staff and students.

“To reduce physical contact, our providers will deliver a week’s worth of lunches and breakfasts at one time.”

School districts around the province trying to figure out remote instruction for kids of all ages, abilities and computer access, as spring break ends March 27 but in-classroom instruction remains on hold to help slow the spread of COVID-19. 

He claimed on their hiring questionnaires he had never been suspended, but he had.

“Obviously we have rules in the school system that we have to follow through on, but we’re not going to punish our way out of this,” substance abuse prevention counsellor Doug Rogers said.

The review will span three months, finishing in February, when the final recommendations will be made to a policy committee.

"We are also the only jurisdiction in North America that provides that service on behalf of the school boards," Strain said.

The messages exchanged were not school-related, and included information about their personal lives.

“I encourage you to speak with your child or youth to ensure they understand the serious health risks associated with this activity.”