Serving and Supporting BC’s Boards of Education
students graduating

Advocacy Response: Support for Youth Mental Health

[Received April 17, 2024]

Minister Rachna Singh to President Broady: 

“As you know from the regular conversations we’ve shared, our government is committed to ensuring students have access to high-quality education and that they received the resources and supports they need to thrive.”

Behind the Scenes: Insights from the Budget Lock-Up

Last week, I looked around a room where I was gathered with our education partners without internet access, having surrendered my cell phone moments earlier and been sworn to secrecy about our discussion. It felt like something out of a spy movie, but B.C.’s annual provincial budget lock-up in Victoria was a chance to hear firsthand what the 2024 budget had in store for the education sector and an opportunity to focus on the needs of K-12 public schools across B.C.

Credit: UlyssePixel

Media Release: Mixed Results for Public Schools in B.C.’s 2024 Budget

[Victoria, B.C. – February 22, 2024] Despite some positives, today’s budget overlooks pressing needs in B.C.’s public education system. Funding to ease enrolment pressures and escalating costs facing families are welcome news, but this budget missed addressing key issues facing schools, including aging infrastructure, inflation-driven operating costs and recruitment and retention pressures.

Advocacy Response: Disruptions and Protests

[Received February 9, 2024]

Minister Rachna Singh to President Broady: 

“BC’s school system is expected to create and maintain conditions that foster success for all students and promote fair and equitable treatment for all, and I deeply appreciate your partnership in this work.”

Advocacy: National Food Program

[Sent February 8, 2024]

President Broady to Minister Freeland: 

“With the federal government conducting pre-budget consultations, I wish to add support to calls from other provincial public education associations to request that $1 billion over five years, with a minimum of $200 million per year, be included in Budget 2024 for a National School Food Program.”

[Sent February 8, 2024]

President Broady to Mr. Taleeb Noormohamed, M.P.: 

“The concept of a universal national school food policy and program for all public schools has wide appeal as too many children enter schools daily while lacking the nutrition needed to learn effectively.”