Education funding is 'good start' but lacks long term vision, says VSB
VSB Chair Mike Lombardi say education funding from province doesn't provide a permanent solution
The Vancouver School Board is still grappling with a massive budget shortfall after a $2.25 million allotment of cash from the province.
The school board is facing a $24-million deficit, with the additional funding removing only a very small chunk of that.
"It's a good start, but there is a lot more to do," said Vancouver School Board chair Mike Lombardi.
"The parents of Vancouver, the students and teachers and trustees have been advocating for additional funding to address our $24 million shortfall that is putting our world-class system at risk."
The Vancouver school district has received the second largest cash injection in a sweeping reallocation of funds to districts across the province. The provincial government redirected money back to front line student services after each district found administrative savings.
Long term funding needed
Lombardi and the school board are already working to put together a budget for the next fiscal year. The board chair is concerned the province needs to know what sort of funding to expect from it in the long term. He says any changes to the assumed allocation could create hurdles for the board that will be hard to manage.
"One thing we do not want is just one-time funding. While we appreciate it, one of the most important things for a school board is adequate, predictable, stable funding and one-time funding is great for right now, but it doesn't help us for next year," he said.
'Not enough money'
Critics have also questioned the timing of the announcement. With an election on the horizon, the B.C. NDP says this is electioneering that falls far short of what the education system really needs.
"Trustees weren't even given a heads up about this. They have been through painful months of long divisive budget processes in their communities where school closures are often on the table," said critic Rob Fleming.
"They have taken the hits and today's announcement likely won't change much. It's not enough money."