VICTORIA, B.C. - Today students and teachers return to the classroom under extraordinary circumstances. The B.C. Green Caucus is requesting the Minister of Education issue an unambiguous statement reassuring every school district in B.C. that there will be no cuts to operating funds after September 30th.
All funding levels must remain stable and protected, regardless of student count in classrooms. Funding provides certainty and capacity for flexibility for every school district and school as they face a relentlessly uncertain school year.
“Having protected and secure funding means that schools can plan more effectively for shifting teaching models if COVID-19 numbers get worse,” said Sonia Furstenau, MLA for Cowichan Valley. “It ensures that all students attached to the district are getting their needs met whether or not they are able to be in the physical classroom setting, and allows for additional teachers, support staff, counselors, and cleaning staff needed to provide the best possible education outcomes in some of the most challenging circumstances in B.C.’s history.”
Schools need to be able to not just provide curriculum delivery, but also offer supports to students whether or not they can be in the classroom.
“As we saw in March, many districts' first focus was ensuring children who had relied on healthy meals at schools were getting food delivered to their homes,” said MLA Furstenau. “This is an example of the additional services that school districts provide. With so much uncertainty, now is the time to clearly state that the operation funding grants will be protected at 100% levels.”
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Media contact
JoJo Beattie
Press Secretary
B.C. Green Caucus
+1 250-882-6187 | [email protected]