We have a Provincial Funding model that does not work in the face of declining population. Our Community is fracturing as each constituency tries to defend its interests in the face of closures or cuts...
In the last 10 years BC has been increasing the funding per pupil as a rate slightly above inflation. Most of this increase has gone to needed and deserved increases in teacher and administrator salaries. This essentially means that education funding for operational expenses has been 'treading water' for the last 10 years. This coupled with aging facilities and dropping enrolment has lead to significant pressure on the operating budget in most school districts. This forces us all into emotional and difficult decisions about facilities and programs that can pit neighbour against neighbour in destructive political battles. Changes in the provincial funding model are needed if we are to keep all of our schools operating. I will advocate for changes while helping to find creative ways to make the funding model better serve our needs in an environment of declining enrolment and a sluggish economy. This includes setting minimum transfer payments to school districts that cover the physical operation of the facilities and provide funding for proper full time support staff such as librarians and other specialists. In the mean time as a community we must seek solutions within the existing constraints. To find these solutions we must all rise above our individual desires and work to ensure all the students in North Vancouver get the best we can give.
Links:
Ministry of Education reports:
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