[Vancouver, B.C. – February 14, 2018] On Tuesday, February 13, 2018, the government’s speech from the throne highlighted the need for British Columbia to invest in our children and youth. To quote from the speech: “Education is the great equalizer. From young students eager to learn, to adults training to earn the skills they need to join the workforce, an investment in education is an investment in our future.”

It was left unclear, however, how these words will translate into tangible action by the current government.

Continue Reading “Media Release: BCSTA Responds to B.C. Government’s Throne Speech”

[Vancouver – January 19, 2018] In response to the media statement from the Chilliwack School Board today calling for the resignation of a trustee from their board, BCSTA President Gordon Swan shared the following statement.

“As trustees, we take an oath ‘not to allow any private interest to influence my conduct in public matters’ and it is imperative that a public school trustee represent and protect the safety of all students. When one allows personal beliefs to infringe on their ability to do so, and when those beliefs conflict with the policies of the board that they represent along with the laws that govern the province, there are consequences. In this case, it has resulted in a loss of confidence from the Chilliwack Board of Education and the Minister of Education in the trustee’s ability to adequately fulfil the duties of office that he was elected to perform. The BCSTA supports the Chilliwack board’s decision as it has become apparent that this has proven to be a distraction for the board in running the school district and focusing on student achievement for all students in the district.”

Continue Reading “Media Release: BCSTA Supports Chilliwack School District’s Decision”