[Vancouver, B.C. – September 12, 2017] BCSTA was generally pleased with the September budget update offered by Finance Minister Carole James on behalf of BC’s new government.

While the allocation of funding towards public education was generally well-received by BCSTA representatives in attendance, the organization noted that it will continue to maintain its focus on the fulfilment of election promises in the full provincial budget that will follow in 2018.

Continue Reading “Media Release: BCSTA Responds to New Government’s First Budget”

[Vancouver, B.C. – August 3, 2017] The British Columbia School Trustees Association commends BC Minister of Education, Rob Fleming for his recent announcement which will see the return of a democratically elected board to the Vancouver School District by way of a by-election, taking place on October 14, 2017. 

The Vancouver School Board recently rejoined the BCSTA as members, and the Association looks forward to offering assistance to the new board as it takes on the challenges of governance once elected.

Continue Reading “Media Release: BCSTA Responds to Vancouver School Board By-Election Announcement”

[Richmond B.C. – April 22, 2017] The British Columbia School Trustees Association held their 113th Annual General Meeting at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel at Richmond, B.C. At the AGM’s business session on April 22, 2017, the membership voted for the 2017-18 Board of Directors:

• President: Gordon Swan, SD58 (Nicola-Similkameen)
• Vice-President: Stephanie Higginson, SD68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith)
• Past President: Teresa Rezansoff, SD51 (Boundary)
• Director: Carolyn Broady, SD45 (West Vancouver)
• Director: Alan Chell, SD19 (Revelstoke)
• Director: Gloria Jackson, SD28 (Quesnel)
• Director: Donna Sargent, SD38 (Richmond) 

Continue Reading “Media Release: BCSTA Installs New Board of Directors”

[Vancouver, B.C. – March 10, 2017] The B.C. Ministry of Education has designated March 6-10, 2017 as Education Week. In response to this announcement, the B.C. School Trustees Association is highlighting several success stories that celebrate K-12 public education in the province. The stories are as follows:

• Student refugees make a new start in Abbotsford schools
• Bulkley Valley School District sees success with new B.C. curriculum
• PISA results rank BC students amongst the best in the world
• Partnership between schools and college help students transition to post-secondary

Continue Reading “Media Release: BCSTA Celebrates Education Week 2017”

[Victoria, B.C. – February 21, 2017] The announcement today of $740 million additional dollars for K-12 education over the next three years is a significant step toward meeting the overall needs of B.C.’s students and schools.

BCSTA was pleased to hear from Minister of Finance Mike de Jong that education is “the single most important service government operates or funds,” and will look for government to translate his statement into stable, sustainable and predictable funding for B.C. school districts. 

Continue Reading “Media Release: BCSTA Pleased BC Budget Speaks to the Importance of Public Education”

[Vancouver, B.C. – January 5, 2017] Teresa Rezansoff, President of the British Columbia School Trustee’s Association, is supportive of today’s announcement that $50 million be allocated to BC school districts this January. The action is a first response to the Supreme Court of Canada’s ruling this past December in favour of the BC Teachers’ Federation. 

“Although these funds are intended for the second half of this school year, we are looking forward to the positive effects they will have on the system as a whole, and equally anticipate how this will shape the upcoming school year,” said Rezansoff in response to the Ministry of Education’s press release. 

Continue Reading “Media Release: BCSTA Pleased with $50 Million to Fund Priority Measures in School Districts”