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

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

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

Dear Minister Singh,

Subject: Capital Funding Acknowledging Projected Enrollment Growth

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 Ministry of Education and Child Care for a comprehensive review and reform of the school construction funding and approval process, ensuring a plan that acknowledges and funds projected enrollment growth.”

This resolution highlights the urgent need for a review and reform of the school construction funding envelope and approval process in relation to projected enrollment growth. With rapid development in many areas of the province, driven further by Bill 44’s zoning changes, our schools face increased pressure to accommodate an ever-growing student population.

Many districts rely on portables, which strain budgets and often lack essential facilities. While this temporary solution is unsustainable and fails to provide quality learning environments, the association does want to recognize that the shift towards modular builds is alleviating some of that pressure, both due to additional associated funding and the ease of construction and flexibility, which is appreciated in this time of substantive investments and rapid growth.
While these investments and updates in building methods are welcome, districts continue to struggle to plan effectively to ensure that facilities are ready when needed. We understand that the ministry is regularly considering these concerns while factoring in projected enrollment, and that the unprecedented enrollment growth being experienced in B.C., as well as other provinces, has created challenges.

Enclosed is a report from BCSTA’s Capital Working Group, titled Making Progress Toward Sustainable Schools: Next Steps, which outlines these recommendations and more in detail. We previously shared this report with members of your staff during meetings to discuss our AGM resolutions in May, and we urge your ministry to consider these recommendations when applying future updates to the funding process as part of your regular monitoring and adjustments for growth.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to continued collaboration.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Broady
President
British Columbia School Trustees Association

Dear Executive Director Holliss, Parliamentary Secretary Samson and Assistant Deputy Minister
Stanford,

Subject: Accessible and Affordable Internet Connectivity

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 requests an update from the Federal and Provincial Governments on
the status of the expansion of internet connectivity in the province.”

BCSTA has long advocated for reliable and affordable internet for all communities in B.C. and
has raised this concern previously in 2018 and 2021. It remains critical that all levels of
government take continued action to ensure every student has access to consistent internet
connectivity to meet their education goals without hindrance.

Most recently, in 2021, BCSTA took a leading role in a national initiative led by the Canadian
School Boards Association (CSBA) to call for increased connectivity across Canada. At that
time, meetings with members of Parliament occurred to highlight the significant educational and
economic benefits of improved connectivity, and we have since seen significant investments
made by the Connected Coast project and Columbia Basin Broadband Corporation. While a
foundation for a connected B.C. has formed, gaps in high-speed internet connectivity remain
across B.C.

These remaining connectivity gaps continue to hinder students and families, and connectivity for
many First Nations schools remains a significant concern. The impact of these gaps is profound,
and we firmly believe that addressing them is essential in order to create a public education
system that is truly inclusive, allowing every student to thrive.

I understand that new contracts are being finalized and that work is underway at the local level
to connect communities to new and updated fibre-optic cable networks. Any additional
information you can provide from the provincial and federal levels of government regarding this
exciting upcoming work would be appreciated.

While much progress has been made in recent years, our members look forward to seeing a
fully connected B.C. that will benefit all students as soon as possible.

Thank you for your attention to this crucial matter.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Broady
President
British Columbia School Trustees Association

Dear Minister Singh,

Subject: Neurodiverse Training in Public Education

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 request the Ministry of Education and Child Care to fully fund
neurodiverse awareness training for employees currently working in the education
system and that they work with the Provincial Government, and the Ministry of Post-
Secondary Education and Future Skills, ensuring post secondary institutions are
including neurodiverse awareness training into the curriculum for education professions.”

This resolution highlights a crucial step in enhancing our education system’s capacity to support
all students. By increasing neurodiverse awareness training availability for teachers, support
staff and early childhood educators, and ensuring that training is embedded in post-secondary
education programs for future educators, we can build a more inclusive and understanding
environment in our schools where every student can succeed without the need to conceal their
differences. Ensuring neurodiverse students feel understood and accepted requires that all
school staff be equipped with the knowledge and skills to support neurodiverse learners
effectively.

In May, we had a productive discussion with the staff at the Ministry of Education and Child
Care about the importance of this resolution. We appreciate the ministry’s recognition that
workforce training focused on neurodiverse awareness is vital. As part of our discussions, we
elaborated on the importance of highlighting to deans of teaching institutions across the
province the importance of integrating this training into future programs, and we are copying
them to this letter accordingly, along with Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future
Skills Lisa Beare. While boards of education desire for this training to be fully funded, we do
understand that access to additional funding may be limited, and other possible opportunities for
training were explored as part of our discussions. These options include potential collaboration
with the BC Teachers’ Council and CUPE BC to include expanded professional development
and training programs in the area of neurodiversity awareness.

We look forward to continuing our collaboration on this important issue and appreciate your
ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive education system across the province.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Broady
President
British Columbia School Trustees Association

Dear Minister Singh,

Subject: New Funding to Make Existing Playgrounds Accessible for All Children

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 advocates to the Ministry of Education and Child Care to provide new
funding to enable Boards of Education to collaborate with their district accessibility
committees to make existing playgrounds accessible for all children.”

Districts across the province are diligently working through their accessibility committees to
meet the requirements of the Accessible British Columbia Act. However, ensuring that existing
playgrounds are accessible for all children remains a concern that requires specific attention.

While Parent Advisory Councils have done commendable work raising funds for accessibility-related
equipment and adjustments to existing playgrounds, the delays in fundraising and
installation have a profound impact on children. The existing process leaves some children with
limited or no playground access, which contradicts the principles of B.C.’s Human Rights Code.
Barrier-free access for all students cannot be overlooked.

While the Ministry of Education and Child Care has established funding for new playgrounds to
ensure they are fully accessible, upgrading existing playgrounds remains a point of concern.
Additional funding is crucial to ensure that all schools have playgrounds that meet the needs of
every student.

We urge the ministry to allocate new funding to support these essential upgrades. Your
attention to this matter will help us create more inclusive environments for all children in B.C.

Thank you for considering this request on behalf of BCSTA’s membership.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Broady
President
British Columbia School Trustees Association

Dear Minister Singh,

Subject: Anti-Bullying Measures

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 Provincial Government and the Ministry of Education and Child Care to update their definition of bullying to recognize power imbalance in alignment with Public Safety Canada definitions and that the ERASE program be updated to align with this change.”

On behalf of the BCSTA’s membership, I want to express our appreciation for your ministry’s ongoing efforts to address bullying in schools. I also want to use this opportunity to further advocate for a critical update to the provincial definition of bullying as part of this work.

In May, we met with Assistant Deputy Minister Jennifer McCrea and her team members, during which we learned more about the upcoming refresh of the ERASE program. We were pleased to hear that the ministry is reviewing the content to make it more succinct and that there has been broad consultation with youth across the K-12 sector.
We are thankful for the opportunity to have shared our motion with your staff, and we look forward to seeing the updated content. Updating the ERASE program to reflect definitions of bullying will significantly enhance its effectiveness and relevance, and we trust your staff will consider the voice of boards of education as part of this work.
BCSTA is committed to supporting these efforts and is ready to collaborate with the ministry to ensure that our schools remain safe and inclusive environments for all students.

Thank you for your continued dedication to this important work.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Broady
President
British Columbia School Trustees Association

Dear Deputy Minister Richards,

Subject: Communication from British Columbia Emergency Management System

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 request Ministry of Education Child Care work with the Ministry of
Emergency Management and Climate Readiness to ensure that the British Columbia
Emergency Management System includes school districts in communications related to
evacuation orders and alerts.”

In May, I met with staff from the Ministry of Education and Child Care’s System Liaison and
Supports Division to discuss the critical issue of emergency communications as identified by our
membership. On behalf of the BCSTA, I am writing to request that the Ministry of Emergency
Management and Climate Readiness work with the Ministry of Education and Child Care to
ensure that school districts are included in all vital communications outlined in the above
resolution.

Several school districts were excluded from key communications regarding evacuation orders
and alerts during forest fires that took place before April 2024. Given that school districts serve
multiple municipalities, regional district areas and First Nations communities, timely
communication is essential to ensure the safety of students, staff and the broader community.
Including school districts in Emergency Operations Center (EOC) discussions and ensuring they
receive timely information is crucial for an effective response during disasters. This collaboration
will enhance preparedness and responsiveness in emergency situations.

We urge your ministry to prioritize this integration to ensure all school districts are fully informed
and able to participate effectively in emergency response efforts. A similar letter will also be sent
to the Union of BC Municipalities to advise them of the content of this letter.

Thank you for your attention to ensure school districts are appropriately included in the British
Columbia Emergency Management System.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Broady
President
British Columbia School Trustees Association