Cuts Hurt Kids
The provincial government continues to ignore the funding crisis in public education. Since 2001, school districts across the province have seen a decade of cuts initiated by then education minister Christy Clark that now represent more than $300 million a year.
Districts are facing ongoing shortfalls that may force them to close more schools, cut programs for students and layoff teachers. Cuts will lead to larger classes and less support for children with special needs. BC has already lost 194 schools since 2001, 3 more are closing, and 2 are threatened with closure.
On March 2, 2010, the government brought forward a new budget that actually froze funding for 33 of BC's 60 school districts. As fixed costs like salaries, pensions, electricity and transportation rise, that decision puts even more strain on our public education system.
Parents, trustees and teachers need to work together to stop these cuts.
Make sure your voice is heard by contacting your local MLA and the minister of education.
Share your stories about how these cuts will impact your children and their school with the media. Visit our Advocacy and Action page to find out how.
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