City Conversations | Do British Columbia’s Schools Deserve More Funding?

In October, a long-standing conflict between the Vancouver School Board and the provincial government ended when the Minister of Education fired all nine elected board trustees, and appointed a former Delta school district superintendent as the VSB’s trustee.

Public schools have a special mission to develop community and democratic values, but B.C is divided on school funding. What does this action mean for Vancouver families with children attending public schools? If policies change, how will additional funding be used? With current levels of government support, will B.C. schools maintain their current standards? Will special needs families feel pressured to move students to private schools?

Speaking to these questions, and those you may have, are two parents who have risen to leadership and advocacy roles in Vancouver public education. Patti Bacchus is a former trustee and chair of the Vancouver School Board; Andrea Sinclair is co-founder of Parent Advocacy Network for Public Education (PAN). Then it’s your turn to observe, question and offer your opinions. Please feel free to bring your lunch.

Registration is not required but seating is limited. Please try to arrive early to ensure a seat.