Schools need more cash
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Updated: July 08, 2009 3:08 PM
School districts across the province are grappling with unprecedented funding shortfalls that will lead to reduced services, larger class sizes, more school closures, and a lack of support for children with special needs. Across B.C., 34 districts had their budgets frozen in 2009 even though fixed costs like negotiated contracts, transportation, and utilities keep rising.
The result will be cuts to classrooms, fewer support staff for children with special needs, and new fees for the basics. Some districts will begin charging families to send their children to school on the bus.
The BC Teachers’ Federation estimates more than 550 teaching positions will be lost over the summer. Such a significant reduction in teachers will mean larger class sizes and less support for individual students.
Last year, B.C. had more overcrowded classes than ever before and it is only going to get worse in 2009-10. This summer, tell your elected MLA you want an end to the disruptive cutbacks and improve funding for public education.
Irene Lanzinger, president
BC Teachers’
Federation
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