B.C. Teachers’ Union Calls for Increased Funding Ahead of School Year

As the back-to-school season approaches, the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) is urging the provincial government to address significant funding gaps in education. This call to action highlights the financial struggles many families face as they prepare for the new school year, with essential supplies becoming a growing concern.

Organizations such as the Salvation Army Gateway of Hope in Langley are stepping in to provide support. According to Dan Donkers, operations manager of the Salvation Army Gateway of Hope, many families benefiting from their back-to-school program allocate approximately 50 percent of their monthly wages to rent. Donkers emphasized that their mission extends beyond financial assistance; they aim to reduce stress for children, allowing them to focus on their education without the burden of wondering if they will have the necessary supplies for school.

This year, the organization plans to deliver 750 backpacks filled with essential supplies to students in the Langley School District. This marks a significant increase from the 300 to 400 backpacks distributed during the pandemic. Donkers stated, “It just helps them have a good head start to the year so that they’re ready to go.”

The need for school supplies is not limited to Langley. The Surrey School District has issued a call for assistance, stating that over 100 schools have requested a total of 2,225 backpacks filled with new supplies, which is an increase of 800 from the previous year. This rising demand highlights a concerning trend, as schools are increasingly reliant on fundraising efforts to provide basic classroom necessities.

Carole Gordon, president of the BCTF, remarked on the “unprecedented” nature of school districts seeking funds for essentials. “When we start to see school districts asking for funds and fundraising to do the basics within our system, that’s serious,” she noted.

In response to concerns about educational funding, Lisa Beare, the provincial Education Minister, acknowledged the financial pressures facing the sector. In a statement, she said, “Every level of government, every business, every industry is facing financial pressure and increasing global uncertainty. But, even in the face of significant uncertainty, our government has protected core funding for education and has actually increased it by over $300 million.” Beare assured that the government is providing the Surrey School District with $1 billion in operating funding and grants, and committed to working with the district to tackle challenges affecting students.

As the B.C. teachers prepare to re-enter negotiations at the end of October following the expiration of their current agreement in June, Gordon highlighted that funding for students remains a priority. “We continue to advocate for better funding for schools, better funding for classrooms so that students have their needs met,” she stated.

The Salvation Army Gateway of Hope is scheduled to distribute the backpacks on August 28, 2023, but will continue to accept donations of school supplies throughout the year. For those interested in supporting this initiative, further information can be found on their website.

As the school year approaches, the dialogue surrounding educational funding in British Columbia underscores the urgent need for more comprehensive support to ensure that all students have access to the supplies they need to succeed.