Most recent SD52 Budget session heard from education stakeholders

The SD52 Board hosted its second Budge consultation on Feb 16

The second element of SD52's 2022-23 Budget process was held earlier this month and the near forty minute session from February 16th, made for a forum from some of the School District's stakeholders.

Among those who participated with comments and had their comments included as part of their video overview of the evening was the International Union Operating Engineers, which highlighted of the challenges facing the District and how it's membership has been impacted by decisions of the Board in the past and noting of proposed cutbacks to personnel and how that will impact on education in the community.

Among the union's concerns were staffing issues related to Special needs supports, the needs for Indigenous students and the importance of the library positions at Charles Hays Secondary. The union also outlined the many other areas of concern to them related to budget planning for the year ahead.

The Indigenous Education Council provided for the next presentation on Budget themes. The provided for an overview towards the program currently in place, as well as some recommendations towards their priorities for the years ahead.

Towards those priorities for Indigenous learners, they outlined the need for continued support for the Sm'algyax language program, continued commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, as well as to continue forward with the current Coach Mentoring program and cross curricular activities.

They also noted the work towards District equity program to advance the goals of the success rate for Indigenous learners and students in the District.

One final presentation came from the Prince Rupert Principal's Association, which provided for their recommendations from the Board as part of their Budget overview.

Their overview highlighted some of the challenges and stresses being faced by both teachers and administrators and how reductions can have an impact on their work and ability to add to the education experience for students. 

The scope of their presentation providing for cautions towards any plans towards staffing reductions, noting how those changes could have ramifications for both the School Board and community.

Towards their two key elements for the Board to consider, they called for a functional Human Resources department and to reinforce the need for Educators and Education Assistants in the classrooms and schools.

While representatives of PRDTU were on hand for the Budget session, there was no presentation from the teacher's union included in the video presentation that has been offered to the public by the Board.

The next public session on the Budget planning is set for March 17th

The February themes can be reviewed below:

More notes on the Board of Eduction's work on their budget for 2022-23 can be reviewed from our archive page. 

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.