Dear President Mandewo,

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.”

I am writing to inform you about a recent communication BCSTA sent to the Deputy Minister
Tara Richards of the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness regarding a
matter of significant concern to school districts across the province.

In our letter, BCSTA requested that the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate
Readiness work closely with the Ministry of Education and Child Care to ensure that school
districts are fully included in communications related to evacuation orders and alerts as part of
the British Columbia Emergency Management System.

This request stems from recent experiences during the forest fires, where several school
districts were not adequately informed about evacuation orders and alerts. Given that school
districts serve diverse communities, including multiple municipalities, regional district areas and
First Nations, timely and comprehensive communication is essential to safeguarding students,
staff and the broader community. Our membership believes that integrating school districts
more fully into Emergency Operations Center (EOC) discussions and ensuring they receive
timely information will significantly enhance our collective ability to respond effectively to
emergencies.

During meetings in May with the Ministry of Education and Child Care, it was suggested that
BCSTA make you aware of this request, as it involves not only school districts but also the
municipalities they serve. Your awareness and support of this initiative is vital as we work
towards a more coordinated and effective emergency management system across B.C.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with
you on issues that impact the safety and well-being of our communities.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Broady
President
British Columbia School Trustees Association

Dear Minister Beare and Minister Singh,

Subject: Eliminate Barriers of Employment for Early Childhood Educators and Education
Assistants

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 and the Ministry of
Post Secondary Education and Future Skills, to address the education of, recruitment and
retention barriers for Early Childhood Educators, and Education Assistants.”

I am writing on behalf of our association’s membership to bring forward a concern regarding the
education, recruitment and retention of Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) and Education
Assistants (EAs). These professionals are essential to public education, as they critically
support children and youth, creating a base for lifelong learning and success.

During our meetings in May 2024 with ministry staff to discuss a variety of motions and our
subsequent discussions with the BC Public School Employers’ Association’s board of directors
this summer, we discussed the challenges that ECEs and EAs face. These include the high cost
of education and training, access to training programs, limited opportunities for financial
assistance and insufficient professional development. The rewarding nature of this work also
needs to be highlighted more frequently, and we support, and will take part in, promoting the
positive impact of ECEs and EAs on young learners.

The barriers identified above are not only preventing the entry of new professionals into these
crucial roles but are also severely affecting the retention of current staff. By removing these
barriers, we can foster a more diverse and inclusive workforce, enhance student outcomes and
strengthen our public education system. We urge your ministries to take decisive action to
address these issues and collaborate to develop strategies to support ECEs and EAs across the
province.

We look forward to working together to ensure that our education system remains strong, and
that the workforce is well-supported.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Broady
President
British Columbia School Trustees Association

Dear Minister Singh,

Subject: Gender-based Violence 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 requests the Provincial Government, the Ministry of Education and Child
Care and the Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity to develop and fully fund,
evidence-based curriculum on gender-based violence including resources and
professional development.”

I want to extend our appreciation for your ministry’s ongoing collaboration and support. During a
meeting in May with Assistant Deputy Minister Mary Shaw, we discussed the critical need for
developing and fully funding an evidence-based curriculum on gender-based violence, along
with the need for resources and professional development.

In that discussion, we also acknowledged the support of Danielle Carter-Sullivan, Executive
Director of Student Wellness & Safety, Mental Health & Substance Use, who has worked
closely with BCSTA’s Comprehensive School Health Working Group. The ministry’s ongoing
commitment to providing additional resources that we can share with our members to help
strengthen their efforts in addressing this critical issue is also appreciated.

While good work has been done, voids remain. As part of a broader strategy to ensure that
students are equipped with essential knowledge before graduation, we believe that a robust
curriculum on gender-based violence is vital. We are particularly interested in exploring
opportunities for inclusion in the next curriculum review process and would welcome any further
discussion on how we can contribute to this effort.

We look forward to continuing our work together to ensure that schools are places where every
student can safely thrive and that those students are fully prepared for life following graduation.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Broady
President
British Columbia School Trustees Association

Dear Assistant Deputy Minister Nicholls,

Subject: Impact of Climate Change on Student Outcomes

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 develop a framework for assessing and measuring the impacts of climate change on student outcomes to support timely and improved decision-making, policies and planning at a local and provincial level.”

I am extending gratitude on behalf of BCSTA for our productive meeting in late May with you and Jeremy Higgs, executive director of the Education Analytics Office. We greatly appreciate the time you both took to engage with us on this important topic and for highlighting the complexity and the multitude of issues involved in addressing the impacts of climate change on student outcomes.

We recognize and appreciate that this issue is part of the Ministry of Education and Child Care’s long-term plans, and we are encouraged by your shared commitment to tackling the many impacts of climate change. BCSTA is also eager to contribute input to ensure that future Student Learning Surveys accurately reflect the challenges presented by climate change. We will also ensure that our members are aware of their ability to add their own questions to the existing format.

Thank you once again for meeting with us to discuss this critical issue. We look forward to continuing our work together to support the well-being and success of all students in B.C.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Broady
President
British Columbia School Trustees Association

Dear Minister Singh,

Subject: Fully Fund Supports for Students Who Have a Special Education Designation

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 the Ministry of Education and Child Care (MECC) to fund the
actual cost of supports for students identified in all special education categories.”

On behalf of our membership, we write to emphasize the need to fully fund inclusive education
supports across the province. Current funding levels are creating significant challenges for
school districts, most often forcing them to divert resources from other critical programs to meet
the needs of students requiring inclusive education services.

By completely funding the costs associated with supporting students with disabilities and
students with diverse abilities, the Ministry of Education and Child Care can ensure that these
students receive the support they need to thrive. Providing inclusive educational environments
where all students have the opportunity to succeed is of paramount importance for not only the
students, but for families and the staff that support them.

During a recent discussion with Assistant Deputy Minister Mary Shaw, we recognized that this
issue is part of a broader conversation about the overall funding model. We understand the
need for a thoughtful and comprehensive approach, and after the provincial election we will be
increasing our advocacy to ensure supports for students with disabilities and students with
diverse abilities are fully considered during the next review of the funding model.

We are grateful for the recent allocation of $30 million over three years as part of Budget 2024
to support children in kindergarten to Grade 3 requiring literacy supports and while this funding
is a step in the right direction, more will be needed to address the growing needs of all students.
We look forward to collaborating on solutions with you and your staff that will make a meaningful
difference in students’ lives across B.C.

I appreciate your consideration of this critical request.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Broady
President
British Columbia School Trustees Association

Dear Minister Singh,

Subject: Northern Teacher Bursary

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 to create and
manage a northern, rural and remote student-teacher bursary.”

The ongoing teacher shortage in northern, rural and remote districts is severe, with many
students needing more equitable access to a quality education delivered by certified teachers.
The number of teachers on letters of permission has grown and continues to rise indicating that
this is not a sustainable solution.

At a June meeting with BC Public School Employers’ Association staff indicated that there may
be an opportunity to explore bursaries for student teachers in the north, and then at a
subsequent joint meeting between members of BCPSEA and BCSTA’s boards they indicated
that the Incentive Working Group may pursue work in this area. While we appreciate the
ongoing efforts, more must be done to encourage potential student teachers to move to
northern communities. A northern student-teacher bursary could provide a solution by focusing
on student teachers in their third and fourth years and subsequently secure their commitment to
northern districts before graduation. A bursary program modeled after the successful Northern
Alberta Development Council initiative would be well-received in these communities, offering a
more structured and long-term approach to filling the gaps in the teaching workforce.

We look forward to supporting BCPSEA and the ministry in exploring and developing this
proposal. Your efforts in creating a sustainable solution for the teacher shortage in the north is
critical, and we look forward to updated initiatives that will make a lasting impact on student
outcomes.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Broady
President
British Columbia School Trustees Association

Dear Minister Singh,

Subject: Stable Operating Funding to Support Coordination of School District Child Care
Spaces

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 to allocate
additional funds to support and maintain current and existing child care facilities in school
district facilities.”

The province’s overall commitment to child care has been commendable, and school districts
have eagerly supported this vision by creating numerous new childcare spaces within their
facilities.

As boards of education progress with the government into the fifth year of the 10-year plan, it is
critical to highlight that the ongoing work required to support spaces remains substantial. This is
particularly evident in rural and remote areas and in districts without dedicated rental
departments and where senior leaders often handle the added responsibility of overseeing the
infrastructure and third-party licensing. The continued growth of childcare spaces has strained
many districts, and while we appreciate the New Spaces Grant’s inclusion of funding for a
consultant or staff member to assist in these efforts, additional operational funding is required to
ensure this work’s continued success and sustainability.

In May, we had the opportunity to meet with the Minister of State for Child Care Mitzi Dean, and
we are eager to continue building on that conversation to identify and address the remaining
existing barriers. While we appreciate the government’s efforts to streamline the process of
accessing childcare-related capital, it is clear that more than a one-size-fits-all solution will be
needed. The BCSTA is committed to working with you and members of your staff to ensure that
the needs of all districts and students are met.

Please let us know how we can support you in this important work. The association is eager to
collaborate and contribute to the continued success of child care initiatives in schools across
B.C.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Broady
President
British Columbia School Trustees Association

Dear Parliamentary Secretary Chant, Parliamentary Secretary Elmore, Executive Director Higgs
and Assistant Deputy Minister Nicholls,

Subject: K-12 Workforce Census on Diversity Equity and Inclusion

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 that the Ministry of Education and Child Care in collaboration
with the Parliamentary Secretary for Anti Racism Initiatives and Parliamentary Secretary
for Accessibility conduct a voluntary census of all K-12 employees to provide data on
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the workforce.”

Our membership has identified that there is a pressing need for a voluntary census of all K-12
employees to gather essential data on diversity in our workforce. This request is pivotal in
ensuring that we can work towards schools reflecting the diverse communities they serve and
so students can see themselves reflected in their schools. Equity in the workplace is more than
a goal; it is a fundamental value that fosters a fair, inclusive and diverse workplace.

After adopting this resolution, we have actively engaged with key stakeholders to move this
work forward. In May 2024, we initiated discussions with Assistant Deputy Minister Cloe Nicholls
and Executive Director Jeremy Higgs to outline this resolution’s significance and explore
potential implementation. Our June meeting with the BC Public School Employers’ Association
confirmed that this work should reside with the Ministry of Education and Child Care, and
BCPSEA will be exploring enhancements to the Employment Data and Analysis System to
provide more comprehensive information on employee demographics. An ensuing joint meeting
between the BCSTA and BCPSEA boards followed, at which time we discussed the completion
of the ministry’s first voluntary employee survey related to Anti-Racism Act work, which will lead
to further understanding of the current state of the workforce within K-12.

We urge the ministry and the parliamentary secretaries for anti-racism initiatives and
accessibility to continue prioritizing these efforts, and we look forward to working together to
ensure every student has the foundation to succeed.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Broady
President
British Columbia School Trustees Association

Dear Parliamentary Secretary Rice, Parliamentary Secretary Russell and Minister Singh,

Subject: Human Resources Capacity in Northern Districts

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 Ministry of Education and Child Care to address the
inadequate and inequitable Human Resources capacity in rural and remote Districts.”

I am writing on behalf of our membership to emphasize the need to address the growing human
resources challenges faced by rural and remote school districts, particularly those in the
northern regions. Northern districts have long grappled with a shortage of qualified staff, and the
efforts required to recruit and retain continue to grow without relief. Affected districts are not only
dealing with staffing shortages but also facing a significant rise in the need for additional
supports related to mental health, mentorship for new educators, professional development and
general human resource related tasks.

The current and unsustainable reality is that northern districts often operate with a limited
number of senior leaders who must wear multiple hats, including taking on the extensive human
resources responsibilities that larger districts might manage through dedicated departments.
The result is a tremendous burden on these leaders that affects the stability and effectiveness of
district operations. With the challenges faced by these limited senior leaders, it is very difficult to
recruit and retain the leadership for our smaller rural and remote districts.

We have taken several steps to move forward after adopting this resolution at our AGM. In May,
we met with the Ministry of Education and Child Care staff to discuss the motion and stress the
urgency of addressing the challenges faced by rural and remote districts. In June, we engaged
with the BC Public School Employers’ Association staff to discuss two newly funded ministry
positions focused on recruitment and retention for these districts, though these positions are
currently limited to an 18-month term. We emphasized the importance of long-term solutions
during a subsequent June joint meeting between the BCPSEA and BCSTA boards, and
BCPSEA CEO Bruce Anderson will also participate in a BCSTA Rural and Remote Network
Meeting in the future.

Despite the best efforts of the board of education, the recruitment and retention issues in
northern districts have reached a critical juncture. These communities have been grappling with
these challenges for years, and it is now more evident than ever that immediate action is
necessary to prevent further deterioration of their ability to provide quality education. There must
be more than temporary measures, and systemic and ongoing support is required to ensure all
students receive the same quality of education, regardless of where they reside in B.C.
Thank you for your attention to this pressing issue. We appreciate your commitment to student
success and look forward to supporting efforts that will provide districts with the resources they
require to ensure all students succeed in school and beyond.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Broady
President
British Columbia School Trustees Association