Firing resonates
BC Minister of Education Mike Bernier’s controversial firing of the entire Vancouver School Board over allegations of workplace bullying, school closures and finances, resonated in school districts across the province, and School District 47 was no exception. Trustee Jeanette Scott said she was concerned that fiscal responsibility can be at the expense of responding to local school district needs and those of the students.
“We really have to consider whether or not school boards are still of any use,” said Scott. “Do we have the power to do anything?”
Enrolment rises
Student enrolment across the district is up as of September 30, 2016. “Our enrolment decline has flattened out,” said School District 47 secretary-treasurer Steve Hopkins. According to Hopkins, the numbers show stable or modest growth. There are now 2,059 students in the system with the increase seen primarily in kindergarten through grade seven, where there are 54 more students than one year ago. The lowest enrolment, with 22 students, is at Texada Elementary School. Brooks Secondary School has a total of 721 students.
