Our provincial government promised to make education a top priority and to protect education funding. However, the government legislated increases for some teachers' pay and other benefits but did not give school boards additional funding to cover the increases. The new provincial funding formula has also meant reduced funding for many school districts, which now have to choose between cutting essential services or closing schools.

In addition, the new provincial law increases class size and allows unlimited numbers of children with special needs into any class. There were limits before and there was also policy for more support than they get now. Teachers will not be able to give the help they have formerly given to students with special needs or to typical students.

The Vancouver School Board now faces a $25 million deficit after years of previous budget-cutting. Vancouver School Board chairwoman Barbara Buchanan describes this as 'devastating for the district'. We call upon the provincial government to live up to its election promises and properly fund our education system.

Contact person for Vancouver-Kensington section - Sharon Mackin

We also encourage concerned individuals to e-mail Patrick Wong MLA and the Premier asking them to honour the government's promise to protect education.
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If the pop-up text does not work on your computer please cut and paste the following text:

Dear Patrick Wong and Premier Campbell -I am asking you to honour your government's promise to protect education and make it a priority. Please fund the full amount of teachers' salaries and benefit costs that you have legislated. Provide enough funds over the next 3 years to maintain the present level of services. Fully restore the millions of dollars lost to our district because of your new funding system. Our children desperately need your help. Thank you. (Your name and location)

Mail to: Patrick Wong and Gordon Campbell ([email protected] and [email protected]).

URL: http://www.vcn.bc.ca/grsvk/fos.html