After 4 Job Actions in Twelve Years, We've Had Enough

I usually write about math issues. But as my daughter is at home again today, being barred from attending her school, there's a few choice things I'd like to say about that.

Sending your child to school is mandatory in this country and it’s also enshrined in the United Nations convention on the Rights of the Child:  “Children's rights education (or children's human rights education) is the teaching and practice of children's rights in schools and educational institutions, as informed by and consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child” (https://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/crc.aspx Article 28).

Despite the UN Declaration and our Legislation behind the School Act, it seems the interests of Special interest groups and politicians trump the rights of students and their parents.  Today my daughter was supposed to have her Graduation Photos taken at school. Instead, she is at home, being held captive by the fourth job action she’s experienced over the course of her schooling career. What other jurisdiction can claim that same distinction? Where else is the dysfunction and dissatisfaction of those involved, and in charge of running our schools this prevalent? I’ve been a parent advocate for years, and I’ve never seen children overlooked as much as they are here.

The publicly funded system was created to educate and prepare our kids for a future beyond graduation. Increasingly however, it’s become a battleground where our children are pawns, each side pitting them against one another based on what’s at stake.  Imagine inviting friends over for supper, having them sit around the table, and then having them watch while the two of you bicker over what to serve them.  Nobody is the winner here, and those that lose out the most, are our kids.

The never ending circle of finger pointing between our politicians and school staff is a disgrace as well. Options are available, as are solutions.  The last government offered parents $40/day while teachers were out on strike…for three weeks. Former Premier Ujjal Dosanjh legislated school staff back to work in 2000, and in some provinces it’s illegal for teachers and school staff to walk off the job.  Given that education is the second highest expenditure in the Province, why hasn’t it been deemed an essential service here?

As hundreds of high school students are forced to stay home and babysit their younger siblings again today, our politicians and parents need to push harder for our kids.  Previously, CUPE bargained for lower wages in order to obtain a better benefits package, which was accepted by their membership.  Superintendent Eberwein and our Trustees have a mandate to deliver education services to students and to ensure adequate reporting of their schooling progress is communicated to the parents.  If this is no longer possible, it’s time to dismantle the system and refocus our efforts. 

British Columbia is home to the highest enrollment in private and alternative schools in the country, with growing waitlists suggesting that supply is outpacing demand.  Given the current environment of parents providing stopgap measures to support the learning environment for their children, it’s time for more options under the public banner, such as what Alberta and other jurisdictions have done.  Taxpayers deserve better than this.  I fully support my tax dollars going to support a robust, rigorous school system, and I fully support all workers to be compensated fairly.  I am, however, beyond frustrated with the lack of support parents have, as well as the declining services and student achievement across the Province.   

The wasteful spending, and blatant disregard that our parent groups, and our education partners have for us, is a clear signal that it’s time for more options.  Our education system has become a daycare service, and I’m not prepared to accept that anymore.