RE: Parent groups see funds slashed. I appreciate Bill Turanski's (school board chairman) frankness in expressing the fact that the board relies on school PACs (Parent Advisory Councils) to fill the gap in education funding.

In terms of what this gap includes, it's items ranging from books for the library, for literacy curriculums and for literacy programs to computers, technology and a/v equipment including related accessories; and from sports equipment, field trips and transportation to student clubs, scholarships, and fine arts programs support.

While gaming funds may only be used for extra-curricular and enhancement programs, supplies and equipment, parents actually fundraise for all of the above items plus much more.

The amount of gaming funds a school receives depends on: 1) student population – all PACs had received $20 per student annually since 2003/04 (recently cut to $10); and 2) whether the PAC holds a bingo licence (affiliation) at the local bingo hall, which had been available to parent groups in the early 90s, upon application by some enterprising parents. But due to the varied parental resources at each school, and the subsequent non-existence of new bingo licenses, this additional $20 per student is not available to all PACs.

The Vernon District PAC (DPAC), intent on addressing this province-wide PAC gaming fund inequity, presented a resolution at its provincial association AGM in May urging the government to consistently apply its $40 per student gaming fund policy for all PACs; and to expand eligible gaming fund uses to include PAC leadership development. The resolution was passed by the membership.

In its latest round of budget slashing, the Ministry of Education has lost sight of the fact that PACs are legislated bodies created to act as advisory bodies on any matter relating to the school.

Translated: The purpose of a PAC is not to fundraise. Furthermore, relying on the generosity of fundraising parents to make up for school district budget shortfalls is unacceptable.

There are two options for government: either fund education completely; or administer existing gaming policy. Forty dollars per student calculates to a mere two toonies per month per student - out of a $1.1 billion pot of gaming profit in 2008 (a 5.8% gross increase from 2007). Money received from gaming increases opportunities for all students in the system, and alleviates the constant pressure on parents to fundraise.

With less time spent on fundraising, parents have more opportunity to engage in positive meaningful parental involvement in the education system to benefit all students and our future society.

It's up to PACs/DPAC and individual parents to educate the MLA, Minister of Education, Minister of Housing and Social Development, the premier, on what gaming funding are currently used for, and how important they are to schools, students, parents, staff and PACs.

Kids need parents to read books to them and with them; and to have supportive home/school learning environments.

They don't need their parents continually organizing school fundraisers that take away from valuable family time and home support, in order to purchase their school books!

This is just another case of the government "shooting the nose off its face."

Pam Hargreaves, Vernon DPAC, Past-President