Trustees' advocacy work

Since 2002-03, $47 million in education services have been cut in the Vancouver school district because provincial government funding increases have not kept pace with rising costs. Most of these costs are provincially determined and downloaded to district operating costs, for example: provincially negotiated salary increases; pension plan contributions; MSP premiums; carbon emission reporting; and carbon-offset purchase requirements.

When these costs are not fully funded, staffing, programs and services must be reduced, further eroding a vibrant education system that offers innovative and amazing opportunities for our students.

Public education is a fundamental human right and a strong public school system is critical to preserving the ideals of a democratic society. We have a collective responsibility, therefore, to uphold the mandate of public education and ensure it is strong and viable. It is through advocacy and demonstrated success that we can preserve and improve our public education system and ensure all individuals have access to its resources and opportunities.

As trustees, we are calling on government to protect to protect public education so that our children can be equipped with the 21st Century knowledge and skills necessary to ensure the future health, prosperity and economic success of this province.

In delivering the government’s Throne Speech in February 2009, Lt.Governor Steven Point said: “Education is the best economic development and health promotion program ever invented. In tight economic times, it is only smart to maintain and expand educational investments.” 

We urge the provincial government to live up to its campaign commitment to fund the real costs of public education.

2010-11 Prelimiary Operating Budget process

What can you do?

Parents can write to their local MLA outlining the impact of cutbacks in their school community.

Contact information: Vancouver’s Members of the Legislative Assembly (Provincial)

Vancouver’s Members of Parliament (Federal)

 
Share Strategies and Information

Get involved with the Trustees Advocacy Committee

The VSB Advocacy Committee welcomes your ideas and suggestions for further advocacy actions and campaigns. Please let us know about your advocacy efforts over the coming months. For information about getting involved with the committee, please contact Chairperson Patti Bacchus at patti.bacchus@vsb.bc.ca

Contact your school’s liaison trustee

If you require additional information or support, please contact your school’s liaison trustee. They may also be available to speak at an upcoming Parent Advisory Council (PAC) on the trustee’s focus on advocacy for public education.

To identify your school’s liaison, locate your school on the list of schools and look for the listing of district contacts.
 

The VSB Advocacy Committee
Partner groups represented on the VSB’s Advocacy Committee:

• VSB trustees
• Vancouver District Parent Advisory Council
• VSTA: Vancouver Secondary Teachers’ Association
• VASSA: Vancouver Association of Secondary School Administrators
• VESTA: Vancouver Elementary Teachers’ Association
• VEPVA: Vancouver Elementary Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association
• IUOE, Loc. 963: International Union of Operating Engineers
• CUPE 15: Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 15
• CUPE 407: Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 407
• VSB Trades

Links to organizations advocating for public education:

• BC School Trustees Association 
• Stop Education Cuts
• Stop Education Cuts on Facebook
• BC Society for Public Education