Local parent raises concerns after son's school funding is split

Obie’s mom, Jennifer Rumbolt says Jordan’s Principle has always been a saving grace. Rumbolt applied in June and was under the impression she was applying for Obie only. She says Obie’s school received 16 hours in funding to be shared equally among 11 students.

Obie is the sweetest, 3rd grader, with an infectious laugh and eyes that look deep within your soul but he needs one on one help, especially at school. Over the years Obie’s parents have relied on Jordan’s Principle for help with his school needs. It  funds First Nations children living in Canada so they can access the products, services and supports they need, when they need them. Obie’s mom, Jennifer Rumbolt says Jordan’s Principle has always been a saving grace. Rumbolt applied in June and was under the impression she was applying for Obie only. She says Obie’s school received 16 hours in funding to be shared equally among 11 students. Obie got dressed for the first day of school last week. Rumbolt has since taken him out of the school because she feels it is unsafe. She says there are other people in this area going through the same thing. Bayfm reached out to the Department of Education and Qalipu First Nations for more information.  The Department of Education issued a statement saying they are “not able to speak about individual cases due to privacy concerns." It went on to say, “Student supports allocated through Jordan’s Principle for Indigenous students are funded by and provided at the sole discretion of the Federal Government. The Provincial Department of Education is not aware of any instance where a non-Indigenous student is receiving supports from Jordan’s Principle. Additionally, the Department of Education, through a student support team, which includes parents, assesses the needs of a student to determine appropriate types of resources and supports that are required for a student for the school year. This may include supports from a separate (non-Jordan's Principle) student assistant, itinerant teacher, instructional support teacher, or teaching and learning assistant in the classroom. Student assistant hours provided by the province are allocated according to a student’s needs.”

The Department of Education issued a statement saying they are “not able to speak about individual cases due to privacy concerns." “Student supports allocated through Jordan’s Principle for Indigenous students are funded by and provided at the sole discretion of the Federal Government. The Provincial Department of Education is not aware of any instance where a non-Indigenous student is receiving supports from Jordan’s Principle. Additionally, the Department of Education, through a student support team, which includes parents, assesses the needs of a student to determine appropriate types of resources and supports that are required for a student for the school year. This may include supports from a separate (non-Jordan's Principle) student assistant, itinerant teacher, instructional support teacher, or teaching and learning assistant in the classroom. Student assistant hours provided by the province are allocated according to a student’s needs.”