The government of Alberta is temporarily adjusting funding to K-12 schools.

The province announced on Saturday they were reducing funds until in-school classes resume.

This will mostly affect transportation, substitute teachers, educational assistants and most services that aren’t being utilized in an at-home learning environment.

Savings from these adjustments are going to be re-allocated to support Alberta’s COVID-19 response.

In a statement, Superintendent of the Fort McMurray Public School Division Jennifer Turner says this announcement came as a surprise.

“We received no forewarning of this announcement and are deeply saddened by the additional stress this announcement has placed on our valued employees.”

She adds they plan on being part of a teleconference call on Monday with Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Education.

Meanwhile, the province wants to remind any staff that has been impacted by the adjustments, that they will qualify for the federal government’s enhanced employment insurance program, as well as other support programs.