[Received August 11, 2023]
Deputy Minister Plecas to President Broady:
“It is Government’s goal to ensure that British Columbia has an accessible, high-quality post-secondary education system that is affordable and sustainable over the long term.”
Advocacy: Capital Cost Sharing
[Sent July 20, 2023]
President Broady to Assistant Deputy Minister Brown:
“Our meeting in May was insightful, and we appreciate that the Ministry of Education and Child Care actively advocates, as issues arise, on behalf of school districts when engaging with the treasury board. As part of these ongoing efforts, we ask that you continue to factor in ongoing financial pressures when determining capital cost sharing.”
Advocacy: Inflationary Costs
[Sent July 20, 2023]
President Broady to Minister Conroy:
“Inflation continues to place unplanned financial pressure on school districts. For example, fuel, facility repairs, maintenance and general goods escalate in cost, particularly for rural and remote districts.”
Advocacy: Accessible Washrooms
[Sent July 20, 2023]
President Broady to Minister Singh:
“As you are well aware, fully accessible schools are crucial. All students deserve unmitigated access to all areas of educational facilities regardless of their ability or personal circumstances.”
Advocacy: Peer to Peer Sexual Misconduct
[Sent July 20, 2023]
President Broady to Minister Singh:
“While local autonomy is central to allowing boards of education to be leaders in their communities, issues of a delicate nature that affect the entire province require a consistent approach. We must ensure all students are cared for and supported across the province.”
Advocacy: Provincial Teacher Shortage
[Sent July 12, 2023]
President Broady to B.C. education degree granting institutions:
“The motive of this letter is to emphasize that this situation still requires our collective attention, as our members have once again called on us to request that intake be expanded. This need has recently been highlighted by the number of districts being forced to hire uncertified teachers to bridge the gaps present in the classroom.”
Advocacy: Loan Forgiveness Program/Certified Teachers
[Sent July 12, 2023]
President Broady to Minister Robinson:
“The B.C. Loan Forgiveness Program has the potential to be leveraged in the struggle boards of education across the province face regarding recruitment and retention as we look to bolster the number of teachers our province produces to match the ever-growing demand for their services.”
Advocacy: Review and Streamlining of Reporting Requirements
[Sent July 12, 2023]
President Broady to Assistant Deputy Minister Brown:
“The amount of reporting required for districts continues to be an ongoing, time-consuming concern. We were pleased to hear that the ministry continues to prioritize the streamlining of reporting requirements and that you are working diligently with our association and K-12 partners across the province to improve the data’s worth and the collection process.”
Advocacy: Funding Support for Technology
[Sent July 12, 2023]
President Broady to Assistant Deputy Minister Brown:
“As we discussed, technological advances are a constant challenge and continue to put pressure on school districts as they seek to improve access while already ensuring resources are prioritized to support student learning.”
Advocacy: Inclusion of ELL in the FESL
[Sent July 12, 2023]
President Broady to Assistant Deputy Minister Nicholls:
“We appreciate you taking time on May 31 to discuss this resolution during our recent visit to Victoria. At the meeting, you indicated the ministry’s commitment to working alongside public education partners to support student success, particularly as priority populations emerge. Our board of directors looks forward to working with and supporting you on this work.”