Advocacy: Funding for temporary resident registrations enrolled after September 30th

Dear Premier Eby,

Subject: Funding for temporary resident registrations enrolled after September 30th

I am writing on behalf of the board of directors of the British Columbia School Trustees
Association (BCSTA) to express our concerns regarding the impact of the increased number of
temporary resident student registrations on the budgets of boards of education across the
province.

This request was most recently discussed during our 2024 annual general meeting, at which
time our members passed the following resolution:

“That the BCSTA request the Ministry of Education and Child Care provide funding for
temporary resident registrations enrolled after September 30th.”

This issue requires urgent attention and action to ensure that our educational resources are
adequately funded and managed throughout the year. The primary concern is that temporary
resident registrations are only eligible to receive funding if they are registered before September
30th.

Parents and legal guardians who are defined as temporary foreign workers and/or hold study
permit holders’ status have no direct correlation between their immigration patterns and the
September 30th deadline. This leaves many students who should be eligible for funding
unfunded, placing an undue financial burden on school districts. Additionally, these students
and their families often require extra counseling services, English Language Learning (ELL)
support and assistance from Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) programs.

In May of this year, we met with Ministry of Education and Child Care staff to discuss this AGM
resolution, and it was expressed that, while additional counts can be challenging, the ministry is
also aware of this growing concern.

As you and your staff work toward updating these processes and procedures, we ask that the
Ministry of Education and Child Care provide additional mid-year funding during February
enrollment data collections to reduce service inequity and mitigate the financial burden school
districts endure to serve these students. Attached to this letter you will also find the original
motion rationale, which includes specific examples from the Burnaby School District that
illustrate the importance of taking action related to this request.

We look forward to your response and support on this matter.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Broady
President
British Columbia School Trustees Association