To the Editor,
Across the province right now you would be hard pressed to find a school district that isn’t struggling trying to balance its budget, some with upwards of $15 million shortfalls; could it be that all of them just don’t know how to manage their money? Or is it more likely that the chronic underfunding by our government is finally at a breaking point? There is a lot of finger pointing at school boards for not being able to find these mysterious savings and “low-hanging fruit” our government keeps mentioning, as if school boards across the province have these secret stashes of cash.
Due to the underfunding, parent advisory councils now cover the cost of sex ed classes, playground equipment, sports equipment, sound equipment, earthquake supplies, gym upgrades, field trips, music supplies, library books and so much more. How can we say that we offer a fully funded public education system to every child in this province if even their basic school conditions depend on how much their parents can fundraise?
I don’t believe closing a few schools will solve our underfunding issues; it may allow us to balance our budget this year, but when the next set of cuts come we will be right back in this position, debating what school or community deserves funding more.
Until we, as parents and a community take a stand and demand better funding for our children and schools the government will keep cutting.
Sarah MillerNanaimo