Editor, The News:
Re: School boards knew of CUPE costs, minister says.
School trustees are required to submit a balanced budget.
After much analysis, adjustment and tough cuts, they were able to accomplish this task.
The provincial government then negotiates an agreement with CUPE that will require the local school district to cover an additional cost of around $1 million.
I would encourage our board, and all other boards, to reject the CUPE contract on the grounds of inability to pay. The provincial government must cover the cost incurred.
I would also encourage the board to vote the same way on any agreement with the BCTF, unless it is funded by the province.
School boards are between a rock and a hard place and should refuse to be the whipping post for the provincial government underfunding public education.
Ian Strachan
Maple Ridge
Editor’s note: Ian Strachan is former principal at Thomas Haney secondary.
Shifting blame
Editor, The News:
Re: School boards knew of CUPE costs, minister says.
In B.C., no more settlements by a government who then expects the local school boards to provide these raises from existing funds.
The one’s with the money should pay for the raise it approved.
What we have is a ridiculous method that makes no sense and shifts the blame for cuts.
The provincial government is good a shifting blame.
Annette Code
Pitt Meadows