New budget delivers more uncertainty and instability for public education

BC Liberals’ latest budget will lead to more instability and uncertainty for BC schools as downloaded costs continue to outpace government funding, BCTF President Irene Lanzinger said today. For full BCTF press release, click here

For the full Budget, click here

BCTF Annual General Meeting, March 6-9, 2010

For draft agenda and more information, click here

School year begins with funding cuts and more oversize classes

BC Government cuts grants, no funding from Board to improve  class sizes this year

Victoria teachers are deeply disappointed at the recent announcement of cuts to grants and PAC funds from the BC government. Once again, the government is putting students' education at risk by failing to adequately fund our public system. Funding cuts could impact playground upgrades, fieldtrips, and capital projects.

This is joined by an inadequate budget from our own Board, which will ensure that class sizes rise and overcrowded classes continue. The one-time funding of $500,000 used to hire teachers last year was removed from this year's budget, meaning larger and more crowded classrooms. 

Dorsey Award on Class Size and Composition

The BCTF grieved 1700 classes, but so far only 81 were examined as "representative" cases. Arbitrator James Dorsey decided 21 of 81 classes he examined violated legislation.

The arbitrator found:

School boards violated the School Act in 21 of 81 representative classes.

Consultations were inadequate in 19 classes.

There was not a reasonably held opinnion the classes were appropriate for student learning in 2 classes.

What can teachers do?

Watch for a decision on remedies for teachers.

Ensure you make your opinions known to your school Principal if you have an overcrowded class. Full details are available from your Staff Rep.