The Rural and Northern Education Fund (RNEF) allocation is dedicated for school boards for further improve education for students from rural and northern communities.
Funding was allocated to school boards based on the number of rural students and two factors measuring the density of rural student enrolment in the school board.
School boards must 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 such as late bus runs and mobile online learning through tablets or Wi-Fi
School boards are required to publicly post details of RNEF expenses as well as those schools in which RNEF funding was spent.
In 2023-2024, Greater Essex County District School Board spent $157,582 of RNEF funding to improve education in rural schools. Funding was spent on improving programming and mobile online learning as follows:
| School | Total |
|---|---|
| Belle River Public School | $15,361 |
| Centennial Central Public School | $9,530 |
| Colchester North Public School | $15,848 |
| Gosfield North Public School | $14,365 |
| Jack Miner Public School | $11,720 |
| Gore Hill Public School | $12,447 |
| Harrow Public School | $9,454 |
| Malden Central Public School | $11,225 |
| Pelee Island Public School | $874 |
| Mount Carmel-Blytheswood Public School | $12,735 |
| Lakeshore Discovery | $12,780 |
| Essex Public School | $12,629 |
| Essex District High School | $6,198 |
| East Mersea Public School | $12,416 |
| Total Expenses | $157,582 |