[Vancouver, BC – March 18, 2025] – The BC School Trustees Association (BCSTA) is pleased to announce the release of its report, Improving Student Outcomes: For Students with Disabilities and Diverse Abilities, developed by the BCSTA’s Inclusion and Accessibility Working Group. This report is an essential tool in educating school boards about inclusive education, providing critical insights into the current challenges and opportunities in supporting students with disabilities and diverse abilities.

This report outlines key data sets available for boards of education, assisting them in their responsibility to improve student outcomes and success. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and utilizing data through a governance lens to identify areas of need and inform evidence-based decisions. The report aims to assist boards of education in being better equipped to support improved student outcomes, ensuring every student has an equitable opportunity to succeed in British Columbia’s public schools.

The top priority for boards of education is the success of all students. Yet, achievement outcomes for students with disabilities and diverse abilities are consistently lower than those of their peers in various metrics. To address this, the report calls for a unique focus from boards of education, ensuring the proper systems, structures, and supports are in place for these students to thrive.

Key Highlights in the Report Include:

• What is Inclusive Education: Understanding the importance of inclusive education and its impact on student success.
• Ableism and its Impact on Education: Exploring how ableism influences the expectations and opportunities available to students with disabilities and diverse abilities.
• Language Matters: The evolving terminology and descriptors used for people with disabilities and diverse abilities and the importance of adapting to these changes.
• History of Inclusive Education in BC: Reflecting on the past to better understand the evolution of inclusive practices in the province.
• Legal Responsibilities of Boards of Education: Outlining school boards’ obligations under the law to ensure inclusive education.

Additionally, the report offers questions to help boards of education begin important discussions within their school communities about inclusive education.

Carolyn Broady, President of the BCSTA, commented: “This report is not just a guide; it’s a call to action for all school boards across British Columbia. It is the responsibility of each school board to ensure every student, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to succeed. By leveraging the insights and data provided, school boards can make informed, compassionate decisions that address the unique challenges faced by students with disabilities and diverse abilities. We must continue to create a system where every student is seen, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.”

Perspectives from Trustees

Cyndi Gerlach, a trustee and parent from North Vancouver School District, shared her thoughts on the importance of inclusion:

“True inclusion in public education means recognizing and celebrating each child’s unique abilities, not just accommodating their differences. We must all work together to eliminate barriers, discrimination, and ableism. We must advocate for an education system where diversity is accepted and embraced, ensuring each student thrives.”

Chantelle Morvay, a trustee from Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools, emphasized the importance of this guide:

“As a democratically elected official responsible for governing the safety, health, and education of the students in my district, it has been an honour to contribute my personal experience with disabilities and my professional perspective to the creation of this important guide for trustees across British Columbia. I hope this guide serves as a valuable resource for all trustees, helping them to better understand and support the creation of inclusive learning environments where students with disabilities and diverse abilities can thrive within our public education system.”

Acknowledgments

The BCSTA would like to extend its thanks to Inclusion BC and the Ministry of Education and Child Care for their contributions to the development of this report. Their resources have been instrumental in shaping the content and ensuring the report is informative and practical for school boards across the province.

Download the full report here.

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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 governance responsibilities and enhance student learning outcomes and student success, advancing the key priorities of K-12 public education throughout the province. 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.

[Vancouver, BC – February 5, 2025] – The British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA) is pleased to announce the release of its report, One Province, One Plan: Substance and Overdose Safety in B.C. Schools, developed by the BCSTA’s Comprehensive School Health Working Group (CSHWG). This report highlights the pressing need for a unified, province-wide response to substance use and overdose situations in our public schools, an urgent issue that demands immediate attention and action.

As the opioid epidemic continues to devastate communities across British Columbia, schools are not immune to the impact of substance use and overdose incidents. This report, based on the input of 45 school districts across the province, underscores the concerning inconsistency in policies, practices, and supports available to address substance use and overdose situations in schools. The result is a fragmented approach that leaves students vulnerable and undermines the effectiveness of our educational systems.

The BCSTA, in collaboration with school boards and provincial partners, calls for immediate action to address these disparities and ensure a cohesive, comprehensive approach to substance use prevention, education, and overdose response. In particular, the report advocates for four key areas of focus:

1. Provincial Policy Development
   The working group urges the provincial government to develop a cohesive set of guidelines addressing substance use in schools. This work should involve input from experts in addiction, education, health, and community partners to ensure that policies are evidence-based, effective and responsive to the local context in which boards operate.
   
2. Development of a Substance Use Resource Toolkit
   A critical gap exists in the resources available to support educators, students, and families, especially in rural areas. The working group calls for the province to develop an age-appropriate substance use resource toolkit for school districts. This toolkit should provide essential resources and support for educators and students, particularly in rural and remote communities where access to services can be limited.
   
3. Expansion of Foundry BC Services
   A significant barrier to effective substance use and overdose response is the lack of accessible mental health and wellness services, particularly in underserved and remote regions. Foundry BC services are critical to supporting young people aged 12 to 24, but gaps in service availability exacerbate disparities in mental health outcomes across the province. The working group calls for urgent action to expand Foundry BC’s accessibility to ensure that no young person is left without the mental health resources they need to thrive.
   
4. Enhanced Funding for Schools
   To successfully implement these recommendations, schools must receive adequate and sustained funding. This includes support for training educators, providing adequate resources, and ensuring schools are equipped to handle substance use situations with care and efficacy. The working group also advocates for prioritizing allocating resources to enhance Foundry BC services in these underserved regions. Investing in in-person and virtual support options ensures that every young person has access to the mental health resources they require to thrive.

As the province navigates the ongoing opioid epidemic, B.C.’s educational institutions must be prepared to respond uniformly and effectively. These recommendations, when implemented, will provide the framework necessary for all school districts to effectively address substance use and overdose risks, safeguard students, and support educators in this challenging work.

In response to this ongoing crisis, Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, issued the following statement about the BC Coroners Service report on illicit drug toxicity deaths in 2024:

“This public health emergency touches every corner of our province. By addressing these issues openly and expanding supports, we can help reduce the stigma around substance use and encourage individuals to seek help rather than struggle in addiction. Our government is continuing to expand mental-health and addictions care, including early intervention and prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery services, support and complex-care housing, and more. We are building up a seamless system of care so everyone, no matter where they live or what their circumstances, has access to the care they need.”

The time to act is now. Schools are a critical frontline in the fight against substance use and overdose, and we must ensure that every district is prepared to respond effectively. This crisis cannot be left to grow unchecked, and it is essential that the government, school boards, and community organizations work together to provide a safe and supportive environment for all students.

Carolyn Broady, President of the BCSTA, commented:“The safety and well-being of our students must always be our highest priority. Substance use and overdose are not just challenges facing the health system; they are urgent concerns in our schools, where our children are learning, growing, and navigating the world. Our schools need the resources, policies, and supports to protect students and empower educators to respond effectively. This is not just about creating safe environments – it’s about creating a future where every student has the opportunity to thrive and feel free from the dangers of substance use. The time for action is now, and the BCSTA is committed to pushing for the resources and policy changes that will make a difference in every school in this province.”

For more information on the One Province, One Plan report and to access the full document, please visit: https://bcsta.org/news/reports/.

Read the BCSTA’s most recent advocacy to the Ministry:

Recommendations from the BCSTA Comprehensive School Health Working Group

CSHWG Advocacy Letter: Funding increases and accessibility of Foundry BC resources 

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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 governance responsibilities and enhance student learning outcomes and student success, advancing the key priorities of K-12 public education throughout the province. 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.

[Vancouver, BC – January 15, 2025] – The British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA) is pleased to announce the release of its Climate Action Working Group (CAWG) report, “Sustainability as Part of Board of Education Governance,” a comprehensive call to action for school districts in British Columbia to prioritize climate change mitigation and adopt sustainable, impactful strategies. This report urges school boards across the province to embrace climate action as a core part of their governance and into their strategic priorities, in alignment with the provincial CleanBC goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.

As our planet faces mounting climate challenges, school districts are on the front lines, directly impacted by rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and the ever-growing need for sustainable practices in education. The BCSTA’s CAWG calls for urgent support to help school districts address these environmental challenges and meet critical emission reduction targets. This report provides actionable recommendations to guide schools and provincial ministries toward effective climate action.

Key Recommendations and Areas of Focus:

1. Enhanced Governance and Support for Climate Action

The report highlights the need to advocate for sustainable funding, promote leadership and collaboration with provincial ministries, and make climate action a strategic advocacy priority. Clear policies and strategies must be developed to enable school boards to meet the CleanBC emissions reduction target

2. Impact of Climate Change on School Districts

School districts are facing significant challenges from climate change, including rising costs for mitigation, impacts on student and staff health, and regional differences between rural and urban areas. The priority is advocating for predictable funding, educating boards on climate risks and mitigation strategies, and ensuring region-specific climate action plans to address these diverse challenges.

3. Recommendations for Future Planning

To strengthen climate action in education, the BCSTA advocates for increased and predictable funding, including emergency response funds, while educating boards on climate impacts, risk management, and mitigation strategies, with regular input from rights holders and partner groups, including students.

It is essential to ensure region-specific responses, addressing the unique needs of rural and urban areas, and building a comprehensive database of climate-related disruptions to support future advocacy is in place. Additionally, the BCSTA urges the province, ECC, and other ministries to develop a framework for assessing and measuring the impacts of climate change on schools, districts, and student outcomes.

4. Growth in Climate Action

Significant progress has been made in climate action among school districts. The number of districts adopting climate action plans has increased dramatically from 2 to 23 out of 60 districts. The BCSTA celebrates this progress and calls for continued growth, emphasizing sustainable building upgrades, energy-efficient transportation strategies, and incorporating climate action into district strategic plans.

As we approach the critical target of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030, the BCSTA calls upon all school boards, governments, and ministries to unite in this vital cause. The time to act is now, and the future of B.C. students depends on our commitment today.

“Climate action is not just an environmental responsibility – it is a fundamental duty to safeguard the health, well-being, and future of our students and staff. We must prioritize sustainability as a core element of governance in every school district, ensuring we create a resilient, green, and equitable future for all. The BCSTA is committed to advocating for the resources and support necessary to make this vision a reality,” – Carolyn Broady, President of the Board of Directors for the BCSTA.

For further information on the BCSTA’s Climate Action Working Group report and to access the full document, please visit: https://bcsta.org/news/reports/

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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 governance responsibilities and enhance student learning outcomes and student success, advancing the key priorities of K-12 public education throughout the province. 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.

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.