Board Motion

Sechelt Learning Centre, March 6, 2012

On March 5, 6, & 7, 2012, teachers of the BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) walked out for 3 days to protest Bill 22, a legislated contract.  On the Sunshine Coast, members of the SD46 Board of Education visited teachers at various sites to show support the teachers and mutual want for a negotiated contract.  Being present at the teacher demonstration and verbal support was greatly appreciated by the teachers, but a letter of support to send to the Minister of Education was desired.  What I appreciate about School District No. 46 (Sunshine Coast) as a school trustee is the relationships between the Board, teachers, CUPE, exempt staff, parents, students, and administration.  Although we each have roles to bare and a point of view to voice, we manage to communicate, connect, and share ideas.  Days leading up to the SD46 Board of Education public meeting on March 13, 2012, the Sunshine Coast Teachers’ Association (SCTA) had a special general meeting to pass 2 motions not volunteer or provide extracurricular activities for the rest of this school year and next school year.  This was not an easy decision.  In the meantime, a desire to have a letter of support from the Board of Education was expressed by the SCTA.  Email, phone calls, and word of mouth led to the Board of Education meeting last night.  The Board was aware that this would be a well attended meeting, standing room only.  After presentations from Charlene Smith and the Music Local Specialists’ Association (LSA), the SCTA president requested to make a change to the agenda.  The amendment to the agenda item was addressed near the end of the agenda.  After Board business was reported, one trustee motioned to respond to the Minister of Education with a letter of support.  The Board Chair had a draft letter prepared and all school trustees spoke in support of the motion.  The Board motion carries.  The Board Chair took into consideration what was spoken at the Board table and a final draft was composed, received, and sent this morning.  We support a negotiated settlement.
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