Serving and Supporting BC’s Boards of Education

BC School Trustees Make Leap to Provincial Office

October 23, 2024

The recent BC provincial election results underscore the diverse representation and inclusive nature of our locally elected school trustees. These trustees, who form boards of education, are not just governing leaders but also the most direct link to the educational system in our communities. They are essential partners in fostering a healthy democracy and building exceptional communities. In the recent provincial election, the British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA) was pleased to see a past president of BCSTA elected to represent the riding of Ladysmith-Oceanside in the Legislature. Additionally, voters chose four current trustees from various regions and across the political spectrum to represent their ridings provincially.

We know that today’s students are tomorrow’s parents, workers, and leaders, and we rely on them to make our communities vibrant and our economy strong. The work of trustees is to ensure that local districts deliver on this future. Their deep knowledge of the education system and the intersecting issues, such as childcare and school food programs, ensures that trustees who have stepped from school boards to the Legislature can carry on this critical work for students and their communities.

Among those who have made the step to be elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in this election is BCSTA’s past president, Stephanie Higginson. Stephanie was elected as the BC NDP MLA in the riding of Ladysmith-Oceanside. Stephanie served her community as a school board trustee for eight years. During her tenure as a trustee, she was vice-chair and chair of the Board of Education for Nanaimo-Ladysmith Public Schools. Additionally, Stephanie will now bring both her provincial and local experience on advocacy and the intricacies of the education system to her new role.

Provincial advocacy for public education is one of the primary roles of the BCSTA. In addition, the BCSTA provides coordination, education, and support for boards across the province and ensures that professional development and advocacy align with improving student achievement, the key work of locally elected boards of education. This provincial-level work serves individual communities through their boards of education, ensuring their unique needs are met. When trustees are elected to provincial office, BCSTA’s work provides the foundation to build upon to support students, families and school system staff across the province. This past election, voters in four ridings chose trustees to represent them in the Legislature and carry the mantle of public education to this provincial level.

Coquitlam School District Trustee Jennifer Blatherwick was elected as the BC NDP MLA in the riding of Coquitlam-Maillardville. Jennifer was serving her second term as a trustee for the Board of Education for the Coquitlam School District. During her tenure, Jennifer served on the Finance and Audit Committee and was the chair of the Childcare Task Force.

West Vancouver School District Trustee Lynne Block was elected as the BC Conservative MLA in the riding of West Vancouver-Capilano. A lifelong educator, Lynne was elected to the Board of Education for the West Vancouver School District in 2018 and was re-elected in 2022.

Abbotsford School District Trustee Korky Neufeld was elected as the BC Conservative MLA in the riding of Abbotsford West. Korky is a long-serving trustee for the Board of Education for the Abbotsford School District, having dedicated over 13 years to his community in that position. During his tenure, Korky also held the position of chair of the board.

Chilliwack School District Trustee Heather Maahs was elected as the BC Conservative MLA in the riding of Chilliwack North. Before she was elected as an MLA, Heather was the longest-serving current member of the Board of Education for the Chilliwack School District.

The results of this election have introduced five new representatives who will serve their ridings at the provincial level. Their extensive experience in the educational system will be reflected in their work. The BCSTA will continue to advocate for our priorities, ensuring that education matters not only to these newly elected representatives but to everyone involved in the education system and relevant ministries.

BCSTA Advocates for Public Education as a Central Focus in the 2024 Election

[Vancouver, BC – October 7, 2024] – The British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA) is pleased to announce its proactive engagement with the Conservative Party of British Columbia, the Green Party of British Columbia, and the New Democratic Party of British Columbia to uncover each party’s strategy for addressing the critical issues impacting British Columbia’s public education system ahead of the 2024 election.

BCSTA has presented critical questions to each party focused on three key priorities: Recruitment and Retention of Staff, Capital and Deferred Maintenance Funding, and Inclusive Education and Student Success. The responses from each party will provide valuable insight into their plans and commitments toward improving public education in B.C.

To read the full responses from the Conservative Party, Green Party, and New Democratic Party of British Columbia, which include additional K-12 considerations relevant to their platforms on public education in B.C., please visit:

Conservative Party of British Columbia Response

“Child care spaces: Our government will streamline approval processes and reduce red tape, ensuring that schools can quickly respond to community needs for additional child care spaces. We will also partner with school districts to unlock extra childcare space capacity within both existing and newly-built school properties,” said Aisha Estey, President, Conservative Party of British Columbia.

Green Party of British Columbia Response

“The BC Greens will work with education partners to develop province-wide inclusive education policies, orders, and legislation that support diverse learning needs and promote equitable access to education for all students. We plan to create an ongoing, sustainable funding model for organizations that are responding to the diverse needs of students,” via the official BC Greens response to BCSTA.

British Columbia New Democratic Party Response

“We are also taking action by expanding our Integrated Child and Youth (ICY) teams to 20 school districts by next year. Working closely with districts, these teams make it easier for young people and their families to connect to the care they need, where and when they need it, putting the needs of each child at the centre,” via the official NDP response to BCSTA.

Championing Public Education: BCSTA’s Call to Action for the 2024 Election

“As the province gears up for the 2024 election, BCSTA is taking action to ensure that public education remains a top priority in election discourse and policy discussions. Our organization is committed to advocating for the concerns of all 60 school boards and trustees across the province, emphasizing the urgent need for focused dialogue on the future of education. Understanding each political party stance on the challenges facing our education system is essential knowledge that empowers voters to make informed decisions and advocate for meaningful change in public education across British Columbia. Advocacy is a collaborative effort, and we hope that the community advocates for the future of B.C.’s public education this 2024 election,” said Carolyn Broady, President of the Board of Directors for the BCSTA.

To learn more about BCSTA and the 2024 election, please visit: https://bcsta.org/2024-election/

Please contact Monique Atwal, Manager of Advocacy and Public Relations at matwal@bcsta.org for any questions or media inquiries.

About BCSTA

Since 1905, the British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA) has been dedicated to serving and supporting public boards of education across British Columbia. As a non-profit organization, our mission is to assist school boards in their governance roles, advocate for effective educational policies, and foster collaboration among trustees. We provide resources, training, and support to help school boards fulfill their responsibilities and enhance student learning outcomes. Our commitment is to ensure that every student in B.C. benefits from strong, effective leadership in their local education system. Through our efforts, we aim to strengthen public education and contribute to the success of schools and communities throughout the province.

Advocacy Matters: Reply from Acting Deputy Minister McCrea re: Funding for temporary resident registrations enrolled after September 30th

On September 16, 2024 the BCSTA, on behalf of member boards of education, wrote to Premier David Eby to express concerns regarding the impact of the increased number of temporary resident student registrations on the budgets of boards of education across the province. You can read the full letter HERE

On Wednesday, September 25, Jennifer McCrea, acting deputy minister of education and child care replied to the BCSTA on behalf of the Premier. Read the reply below:

Advocacy Matters: Reply from Acting Deputy Minister McCrea re: Anti-Bullying Measures

On September 9, 2024 the BCSTA, on behalf of member boards of education, wrote to Rachna Singh, minister of education and child care regarding provincial anti-bullying measures. You can read the original advocacy letter HERE.

On Wednesday, September 25, Jennifer McCrea, acting deputy minister of education and child care replied to the BCSTA on Minister Singh’s behalf. Read the ministry reply below:

Media Release: Advancing Advocacy Efforts Ahead of 2024 Election with Key Issues Addressed to Government Officials

[Vancouver, BC – September 17, 2024] – The British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA) has taken significant steps in its advocacy plan leading up to the 2024 election. This plan underscores BCSTA’s commitment to improving public education across British Columbia through strategic advocacy on pivotal issues.

At BCSTA’s 2024 Annual General Meeting, trustees from all 60 school boards across the province approved a series of resolutions aimed at addressing critical areas in public education. BCSTA has now formally communicated the following priorities to key government officials through detailed advocacy letters.

Recruitment and Retention of Staff

Eliminate Employment Barriers: BCSTA called on the Minister of Education and Child Care, alongside the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, to address the significant challenges faced by Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) and Education Assistants (EAs). These challenges include the high costs of education and training, limited access to training programs, insufficient financial assistance and a lack of professional development opportunities. Addressing these barriers is essential to building a more diverse and inclusive workforce, enhancing student outcomes, and strengthening the overall public education system.

Human Resources Capacity in Rural and Remote Communities: BCSTA is calling on the provincial and federal governments to address and improve human resources capacity in rural and remote districts, especially in northern regions. BCSTA stresses the growing challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified staff in these areas, which have long struggled with shortages. BCSTA calls for targeted support to alleviate these issues and provide necessary relief.

Capital and Deferred Maintenance Funding

BCSTA has provided the provincial government with a detailed appeal concerning capital and deferred maintenance funding. The primary requests outlined in the letter include:

Increased Annual Facilities Grant: BCSTA urged the Ministry of Finance to enhance the Annual Facilities Grant. This funding is vital in managing the growing costs of deferred maintenance, improving facility accessibility, ensuring student safety and extending the lifespan of school infrastructure.

Equitable Capital Funding: BCSTA is advocating for a significant increase in capital funding to address the pressing needs for replacing and renovating aging school facilities, particularly in remote, rural, and disaster-prone regions.

Maintenance Support for Portables: BCSTA has requested that additional maintenance funding be allocated to school districts that rely on aging portables to accommodate enrolment growth.

BCSTA emphasizes the critical need for these funding increases to tackle the unsustainable backlog of maintenance issues, which jeopardizes student safety and hampers learning environments.

Additionally, BCSTA has called on Minister Singh regarding capital funding for projected enrollment growth and is calling for a comprehensive review and reform of the school construction funding and approval process to better align with rapid population growth.

Funding for Temporary Resident Registrations: BCSTA has also contacted The Honourable David Eby, Premier of British Columbia, regarding the funding of temporary resident student registrations and is calling on the Ministry of Education and Child Care to provide funding for students who enrol after September 30th. Students who enrol after September 30 are not counted by government and these costs are unfunded and downloaded to the district. This funding gap has significant implications for school board budgets and requires immediate action to ensure equitable resource allocation.

Support for Rural and Remote Communities: BCSTA is calling on the government to establish a Northern, Rural, and Remote Teacher Bursary in support of rural and remote communities. This initiative will address the severe teacher shortages in these areas by providing targeted financial support to attract students to educational opportunities in remote areas.

Inclusive Education and Student Success

BCSTA has advocated for targeted federal funding to support programs for new immigrant and refugee students who are English and/or French Language Learners. This support is crucial as British Columbia experiences rising immigration and migration levels, which increases the demand in districts to support these students’ success.

Additionally, BCSTA has advocated for fully funding neurodiverse awareness training for current and future education professionals. This training is essential for fostering a more inclusive educational environment and ensuring that all students receive the support they need.

BCSTA has proposed new funding to ensure playgrounds are accessible for all children. Fully funding support for students with special education designations will address the funding shortfalls currently impacting school districts.

These issues are central to public education and improving both learning and working conditions across our communities. BCSTA is committed to these priorities during the 2024 election and beyond, with a continued emphasis on the need for staff, increased inclusivity and necessary investments in our public education system.

It is vital that the community unites and votes for candidates who recognize that investing in education is investing in the future.

“At BCSTA, our commitment to enhancing public education is unwavering. We are calling on the government to address the critical staffing shortages by improving recruitment and retention strategies, especially in rural and remote areas. We also stress the urgent need for increased funding to manage deferred maintenance, support new capital projects, and address the financial gaps in temporary resident registrations. Moreover, fostering inclusivity remains a cornerstone of our advocacy, and we urge full funding for programs supporting neurodiverse students and accessible education for all children. These steps are essential to creating a robust, equitable, and inclusive education system for every student across British Columbia,” said Carolyn Broady, President of the Board of Directors for the BCSTA.

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For a comprehensive review of BCSTA’s full advocacy efforts and letters, please visit: https://bcsta.org/advocacy/ 

Please contact Monique Atwal, Manager of Advocacy and Public Relations at matwal@bcsta.org for any media inquiries.

About BCSTA

Since 1905, the British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA) has been dedicated to serving and supporting public boards of education across British Columbia. As a non-profit organization, our mission is to assist school boards in their governance roles, advocate for effective educational policies, and foster collaboration among trustees. We provide resources, training, and support to help school boards fulfill their responsibilities and enhance student learning outcomes. Our commitment is to ensure that every student in B.C. benefits from strong, effective leadership in their local education system. Through our efforts, we aim to strengthen public education and contribute to the success of schools and communities throughout the province.

To learn more about BCSTA and the 2024 election, please visit: www.bcsta.org.

Learn more about why Education Matters in our upcoming provincial election and download BCSTA’s Provincial Election Advocacy Kit for boards here.

Advocacy Matters: Reply from Solicitor General and Minister re: Funding to Support Learners in Correctional Centres

On August 21, 2024 the BCSTA, on behalf of member boards of education, wrote to Mike Farnworth, minister of public safety and solicitor general and deputy premier and Rachna Singh, minister of education and child care requesting an update on the review of the funding and resources and the next steps in supporting learners in our provincial correctional centres. Read the original letter below:

On September 16, 2024, the ministers replied to the BCSTA letter and provided an update. You can read the response from the ministers below.

Advocacy: Funding CleanBC Goals and Increase Capital Funding for Retrofits

Dear Minister Singh and the Climate Action Secretariat,

Subject: Funding CleanBC Goals and Increase Capital Funding to Retrofit Existing
Buildings & Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions


At the British Columbia School Trustees Association’s 2024 annual general meeting, our
members representing all 60 boards of education in B.C. passed the following resolutions:

“That the BCSTA requests that the Ministry of Education and Child Care and the Ministry
of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, develop a provincially-funded plan, in
collaboration with boards of education, to achieve the CleanBC goals.”


“That the BCSTA advocate to the Ministry of Education and Child Care and Ministry of
Environment and Climate Change Strategy to increase capital funding for retrofitting of
existing buildings in order to ensure school districts are able to meet their 2030
Greenhouse Gas emission targets as required by BC’s Climate Change Accountability
Act.”


Boards of education across B.C. are dedicated to fulfilling CleanBC goals, but consistent
obstacles related to funding and planning are slowing their progress. On behalf of our members,
the BCSTA is calling on the Ministry of Education and Child Care and the Ministry of
Environment and Climate Change Strategy to create a provincially funded plan that actively
involves boards of education in reaching these targets. Additionally, we are advocating for
increased capital funding specifically for retrofitting existing school buildings. This work is critical
for school districts to meet the 2030 greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets set by B.C.’s
Climate Change Accountability Act.

Sustainability is a necessity for the future well-being of students and communities, and school
districts must be part of a comprehensive effort to address climate change. BCSTA recognizes
that increased funding from the ministry totalling over 13 million over the past year for the Bus
Acquisition and Carbon Neutral Capital programs will provide significant assistance. The
association also appreciates that School Enhancement Program funding and Annual Facility
Grant funding may be utilized to address energy efficiency concerns in existing buildings.
However, fully addressing these concerns demands careful financial planning across all
districts, and many are feeling the strain of this additional responsibility despite these supports.

The 2022 Climate Change Accountability Report highlighted that 80% of GHG emissions from
B.C.’s 60 school districts stem from school buildings. To meet legally required GHG reductions
without compromising student services, school districts urgently need targeted provincial
funding for retrofitting projects. Boards of education are committed to addressing these goals,
and the BCSTA’s Capital Working Group has outlined key recommendations in the enclosed
report, which includes 11 climate change strategies that support the need for immediate action.
We appreciate your attention to this pressing issue and look forward to your support in helping
school districts meet these requirements.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Broady
President
British Columbia School Trustees Association

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

Advocacy: Increase the Annual Facilities Grant to Support Capital Maintenance

Dear Minister Singh,

Subject: Increase the Annual Facilities Grant to address Deferred Maintenance, Increased
funding for Aging Infrastructure and Maintenance Funding for Aging Portables


At the British Columbia School Trustees Association’s 2024 annual general meeting, our
members representing all 60 boards of education in B.C. passed the following resolutions:

“That the BCSTA advocate to the Ministry of Finance to increase the Ministry of Education
and Child Care’s Annual Facilities Grant so school districts may address the accumulating
costs of deferred maintenance in order to improve accessibility, ensure student safety,
enhance learning environments, extend facility lifespan, and support long-term fiscal
responsibility.”

“That the BCSTA request the Provincial Government and the Ministry of Education and
Child Care to equitably increase capital funding specifically to address the replacement
and renovation needs of aging school facilities in regions that are remote, rural and
located in areas at risk from a seasonal natural disaster.”

“That the BCSTA advocates to the Ministry of Education and Child Care to provide
maintenance funding to districts that rely on aging portables to manage enrolment
growth.”


On behalf of the BCSTA’s membership, I want to draw your attention to the critical need for
increased funding to address deferred maintenance, aging infrastructure and the upkeep of
portables across B.C.’s school districts. We recognize that the province is facing unprecedented
enrolment growth, and that funding is being allocated accordingly, but we must also advocate
for a balanced response that incorporates these critical needs.

As noted in the enclosed rationale, the deferred maintenance backlog in school districts has
reached unsustainable levels, posing risks to student safety and negatively impacting learning
environments and overall operational efficiency. While increases to the Annual Facilities Grant
(AFG), totalling nearly 30 million since 2022/23, have been valued by boards of education,
additional investments to the grant would potentially address many outstanding concerns,
including extending the lifespan of facilities and enhancing energy efficiency. These additional
funds would contribute to long-term cost savings and improving learning conditions while
preventing further deterioration and higher costs in the future.

Although maintenance programs, including the School Enhancement Program, Carbon Neutral
Capital Program and Playground Equipment Program, totalling $102.2 million, are available
alongside AFG to help maintain older facilities, concerns persist, especially in rural and remote
areas. These districts regularly incur heightened costs due to environmental factors, and we
urge the government to allocate additional capital funding more equitably to ensure that these
vulnerable areas receive the necessary resources for renovations and replacements. The
association’s Rural and Remote Network has discussed specific weather-related needs,
including the heating and cooling of buildings, as well as additional space requirements for
items such as winter clothing gear.

While focusing on a future with more prefabricated modular builds to address a variety of
concerns is a high priority for boards of education, many districts still continue to rely on
portables as a response to enrolment growth. Unfortunately, many portables are deteriorating
and require additional maintenance to ensure they remain safe and functional for students and
staff. While AFG funding can be utilized to address these needs, the lack of added support in
the way of additional funding to directly address these maintenance requirements leaves many
districts managing inadequate facilities.

These resolutions reflect the pressing needs of school districts across the province. Addressing
them aligns with our shared goal of providing safe, inclusive and sustainable learning
environments of the highest quality for all students, a sentiment that was shared in meetings
with Assistant Deputy Minister Chris Brown and Executive Director Damien Crowell.

The BCSTA understands that your teams regularly connect with school district staff regarding
these and similar issues, and we thank you for your additional attention to our membership’s
requests. We are committed to continuing our collaboration with you and your staff to ensure
every district is fully equipped to serve and support students.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Broady
President
British Columbia School Trustees Association

Advocacy: Targeted Funding for Support of English Language Learners

Dear Minister Miller,

Subject: Targeted Funding for Language Support of English Language Learner Students

At the British Columbia School Trustees Association’s 2024 annual general meeting, our
members, representing all 60 boards of education in B.C., passed the following resolution:

“That the BCSTA advocate to the federal government for targeted funding, provided to the
province and distributed to school districts to support programs for new immigrant and refugee
students who are English and/or French Language Learners.”

As you know, Canada continues to experience rising immigration levels, bringing many school aged
children who do not speak English or French into communities throughout British
Columbia. While we celebrate the diversity these new families bring, we are also aware of their
struggles in settling into their new lives. Specifically, these young students often need more than
language lessons; many require counseling and additional educational supports to succeed.
Unfortunately, the current funding levels do not meet these needs, leaving gaps that can impede
their development.

Boards of education make it a priority to ensure that children feel welcomed and supported so
they can thrive in their new schools, and increased support is necessary to meet these needs.
At this time, we call on the federal government to provide targeted funding to the province
focused for use in school districts in ways that will directly address the unique challenges faced
by new immigrant and refugee students.

Investing in these young people is part of investing in Canada’s future, and I thank you for
considering this request.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Broady
President
British Columbia School Trustees Association