Times Chronicle Staff
The following are school board briefs from the Feb. 22 meeting.
Anti-racism plan
School District No. 53 is sharing an important document with staff to promote the K-12 Anti-Racism Action Plan.
Education Minister Rachna Singh recently stated it is vital that younger generations learn about discrimination and how it impacts people. That’s why the province has made changes to the curriculum to support more Indigenous languages, cultural learning and social justice courses.
Singh said teaching about historic and current injustices will help people embrace diversity and inclusion while working towards an anti-racist future.
According to the BC Adolescent Health Survey, 14 per cent of racialized students reported experiencing discrimination because of race ethnicity or skin colour. Three in five (58 per cent) BC students say they have seen other pupils insulted, bullied or excluded based on their race.
Youth who experienced racial discrimination reported poorer health and well-being to the point they considered or attempted suicide.
Online learning
Starting July 1, Provincial Online Learning Schools will offer online learning to students across BC. Locally, district online services will continue as well. Search Online Learning BC for more information.
Decriminalization
School District No. 53 has an important reminder for students and parents regarding the removal of criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of illicit drugs for personal use.
“The exemption does not apply to possession on the premises of K-12 schools or licensed child care facilities.”
Student affordability
School District No. 53 has received one-time funding of nearly $300,000 from the province to assist families in making back-to-school more affordable due to rising costs of living.
These funds have been allocated to expand and upgrade school meal programs, and to assist families with the cost of school supplies and equipment.
Superintendent of Schools Bev Young reported that district schools have done an amazing job to ease the burden on families, including enhancing meal programs in a non-stigma manner, creating partnerships for salad bars and paying school fees for extra-curricular activities.
Enrolment
On Jan 31, schools reported enrolment of 2,402 full-time equivalent students, which is an increase of 14 from Sept. 29, 2022 when enrolment was 2,388.
Financial statement
Total revenue for the seven months ending Jan. 31, 2023 was $16 million. Total expenses for the same period was $16.85 million, resulting in a deficit of $839,000.
Labour funding
The Ministry of Education announced labour settlement funding of $1.2 million.
This money will cover increased wage costs resulting from teacher and support staff collective bargaining agreements that were re-negotiated in 2022.
Truth and Reconciliation
School District No. 53 applauds the government’s announcement that Sept. 30 will be declared a provincial statutory holiday.
Superintendent of Schools Bev Young said this day honours the strength and resilience of residential school survivors and “remember the children who never came home.”
