Parents at Vancouver school, David Thompson Secondary, support teachers in the current struggle. PAC Chair, Cheryl Davies calls upon other PACs to make their voices heard too!Dear Minister Bond:

On behalf of the parents of David Thompson Secondary School in Vancouver, we would like to express our strong support for a negotiated settlement between the provincial government and the BCTF.

We understand that the provincial government has undertaken some steps to resolve the bargaining dispute that would engage the parties in dialogue. We urge you to develop and continue that path, as we believe that imposing settlements and legislation on the teachers of our province has only resulted in the depreciation and dishonoring of our public education system, and all those who contribute to it.

As parents, we are well aware of the significant financial and resource challenges that our teachers, school administrators and school boards face every year and, even more so, the (negative) impact on our children’s educational experiences. With each year, parents are being asked or compelled to contribute more financially, either out-of-pocket or through continuous fund-raising efforts, to make up for the shortfalls in financial support for curricular items or activities. We see our children in large classroom sizes, even where such numbers actually impede learning or even create safety concerns. We note physical deterioration of our school buildings, lack of equipment and books. Mostly, we see teachers who are feeling progressively undervalued, over-worked and underpaid. As our teachers are the backbone of our public education system, we find this situation deplorable.

We are upset that our teachers have been compelled to take illegal labour action in order to bring these issues to the serious attention of the provincial government. Indeed, our teachers have taken this action with full knowledge that there will be financial consequences to themselves both personally and at the union level. We respect and appreciate their honest and valiant efforts to voice and educate everyone about the important issues that are affecting our children’s education and their futures.

Please know that we stand behind our teachers and demand that the provincial government engage in a meaningful and productive dialogue with them to find a respectful and fair resolution to this bargaining dispute.

We will be paying close attention to the actions of government, and expect a just and expedient conclusion so that our children can resume their important educational process.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

David Thompson Parent Advisory Committee