School boards struggle with funding changes
Many public education advocates were optimistic following the March 2 budget when the government announced $112 million in new funding and the partial restoration of the Annual Facilities Grant. However, it quickly became clear that there would not be enough funding to meet rising fixed costs and other programs downloaded by government. The association that represents district secretary treasurers had said earlier that the system needed $300 million in new funding just to maintain current service levels.
On March 15, school boards across the province received their operating grants for the 2010–11 school year. Many trustees, educators, and parents were shocked to learn that 33 of the 60 districts actually had their funding frozen. Many others only received minimal increases that will not cover important fixed costs.
Coalition launches new website
As part of the BCTF’s ongoing efforts to work with community groups to protect public services, the Federation has joined the Coalition to Build a Better BC. Go to the coalition’s website at http://www.betterbc.ca/ to learn more about the arts, health, education, community, and environmental groups behind this new initiative.
Don’t forget about the Better BC Rally on April 10 at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
Check in with the BCTF on YouTube and Facebook
Keep up to date with breaking news, key issues, and campaigns by going to our Facebook and YouTube pages. Become a fan and pass on the information to your networks.
For Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/BCTeachersFederation
For YouTube, check out http://www.YouTube.com/BCTFvids
On Facebook, you can also find a group of parents, educators, and advocates networking by searching for “Stop BC Education Cuts!”