Rural and Northern Education Funding (RNEF)
The Ministry of Education provides a Rural and Northern Education Fund (RNEF) allocation which is dedicated funding to further improve education for students from rural and northern communities.
Funding is allocated based on the number of rural students and factors measuring the density of rural student enrolment in the board. The ministry has identified 37 Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) schools eligible for funding. Five Owen Sound area schools are not eligible for funding – allocations for funding at these schools is sourced from central budget.
School boards may use the funding for rural education based on local needs, such as the following:
- improving programming and support services in rural schools
- continuing the operation of rural schools
- enhancing student transportation options
In the 2023 – 2024 school year, Bluewater's RNEF allocation was $1,387,670 and was used for technological enhancements to improve programming and support services and overall operating costs associated with rural schools.