Langley Advance - Letter to the Editor
Published: Friday, January 29, 2010
Dear Editor,
I am writing to you about the School District 35 review on the possible closure of two rural elementary schools. I am a parent who has two children in Glenwood Elementary, and in three years, will have another child entering kindergarten. I had hoped that he would also be in Glenwood, especially at a time when my other two would still be attending.
However, our beloved school is now being reviewed for closure. The School District has put itself into millions of dollars in deficit. The actual amount is still not known. Unfortunately, a good portion of this money went into choice schools. Now the smaller, neighbourhood schools are in jeopardy, and so are our kids' education.
The board says that bigger schools equal better opportunities for children. How can that be? In bigger schools, a child is a statistic. Learning difficulties are not assessed quickly enough. There is no longer one-on-one.
There is more bullying, and thus more stress on a child, and more stress causes a decrease in grades. There is more peer pressure and introduction to substances at an earlier age. Morals decrease. And on the disadvantages grow.
Elementary students are bused to other schools, a bill paid by the parents. Often, children are on a school bus for an hour. Now tell me if this is good for a young child. The direction the school system is going is that small, neighbourhood schools will be closing, and overcrowding will occur in others. What is the benefit in that?
How can these all be classified as "better opportunities?" Our education system is in a fine mess, and the mess has only just begun. Unfortunately, Langley School District 35 has truly made a mess, and is trying to clean it up by closing down our school.
And no matter what they say about consultation with the public, experience has it that the consultation makes no difference to them.
Lee-Anne Robert, Langley
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Not the right time to close County Line
Langley Times - Letter to the Editor
Published: January 28, 2010 3:00 PM
Updated: January 28, 2010 3:56 PM
Editor: The Langley Board of Education has developed a huge deficit and is in a desperate financial situation — this is clear. They have managed to dig themselves into a $9 million hole, in fact. Their situation is so bad that the teachers' union has been begging the Auditor-General to get involved.
The board on Jan. 19, the same day that they announced our possible school closure, finally voted to hire the provincial Auditor-General to examine, assess and make recommendations to enable the board to dig themselves out of the hole they're in.
Our annual school budget at Country Line Elementary is a measly $400,000; a drop in the bucket compared to a daunting $9 million deficit. Looking at a tiny school closure as an effective line of defense at this time just seems so easy — and so ridiculous when you really look at it. There are so many other ways to save money — things like adding 10 minutes onto every school day and adding another week's holiday at Spring Break, like the Surrey School Board is doing, or re-examining and consolidating bus routes (I believe North Otter and County Line already share a bus route, so no dollars will be saved there should County Line close) or reducing trustee pay (which was actually put on the table last Tuesday by one of the trustees) or suspending raises.
There are redundant positions and dollars being dumped into unnecessary programs. I'm confident that a thorough analysis by the Auditor General will find this.
To me, this clearly isn't the right time at all for school closure decisions. This is particularly true when you're talking about closing a school that is almost 100 years old and has served generations of rural families in the Glen Valley area. (We're talking about history here.)
The board has the A-G arriving next year to take a closer look at all of this. Why would the board make such a serious decision as a school closure now when they've been making grave mistakes for years — to the tune of $9 million? Consolidating schools and saving $100,000 (because that's all it'll end up being when you consider the added costs of absorbing our 100 kids elsewhere) is an absolute pittance.
My advice to the Langley Board of Education is to please leave well enough alone for now. Enough damage has been done. Let the A-G come in and thoroughly examine the books over the upcoming years and make their recommendations. Now is not the time.
Jodi Higgs,
parent at County Line Elementary School
Published: January 28, 2010 3:00 PM
Updated: January 28, 2010 3:56 PM
Editor: The Langley Board of Education has developed a huge deficit and is in a desperate financial situation — this is clear. They have managed to dig themselves into a $9 million hole, in fact. Their situation is so bad that the teachers' union has been begging the Auditor-General to get involved.
The board on Jan. 19, the same day that they announced our possible school closure, finally voted to hire the provincial Auditor-General to examine, assess and make recommendations to enable the board to dig themselves out of the hole they're in.
Our annual school budget at Country Line Elementary is a measly $400,000; a drop in the bucket compared to a daunting $9 million deficit. Looking at a tiny school closure as an effective line of defense at this time just seems so easy — and so ridiculous when you really look at it. There are so many other ways to save money — things like adding 10 minutes onto every school day and adding another week's holiday at Spring Break, like the Surrey School Board is doing, or re-examining and consolidating bus routes (I believe North Otter and County Line already share a bus route, so no dollars will be saved there should County Line close) or reducing trustee pay (which was actually put on the table last Tuesday by one of the trustees) or suspending raises.
There are redundant positions and dollars being dumped into unnecessary programs. I'm confident that a thorough analysis by the Auditor General will find this.
To me, this clearly isn't the right time at all for school closure decisions. This is particularly true when you're talking about closing a school that is almost 100 years old and has served generations of rural families in the Glen Valley area. (We're talking about history here.)
The board has the A-G arriving next year to take a closer look at all of this. Why would the board make such a serious decision as a school closure now when they've been making grave mistakes for years — to the tune of $9 million? Consolidating schools and saving $100,000 (because that's all it'll end up being when you consider the added costs of absorbing our 100 kids elsewhere) is an absolute pittance.
My advice to the Langley Board of Education is to please leave well enough alone for now. Enough damage has been done. Let the A-G come in and thoroughly examine the books over the upcoming years and make their recommendations. Now is not the time.
Jodi Higgs,
parent at County Line Elementary School
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
A beloved school threatened with closure
Vancouver Sun blog - Report Card - An in-depth look at the B.C. Education System
By Janet Steffenhagen,
26 January 2010
Parent Lee-Anne Robert sent me the following email about the possible closure of Glenwood elementary school in Langley.
"I am writing to you about the School District 35 review on the possible closure of two rural, elementary schools.
"I am a parent who has two children in Glenwood Elementary and in a matter of three years, will have another child entering kindergarten. I had hoped that he would also be in Glenwood Elementary, especially at a time when my other two would still be attending.
"However, our beloved school is now being reviewed for closure.
"The School District has put itself into millions of dollars in deficit. The actual amount is still not known. Unfortunately, a good portion of this money went into choice schools. Now the smaller, neighbourhood schools are in jeopardy, and so are our kids' education.
"The board says that bigger schools equals better opportunities for children. How can that be? In bigger schools, a child is now a statistic. Learning difficulties are not assessed quickly enough. Thereis no longer one-on-one.
"There is more bullying and thus more stress on a child, and more stress causes a decrease in grades. There is more peer pressure and introduction to substances at an earlier age. Morals decrease. And on the disadvantages grow.
"Elementary students are bussed to other schools, a bill paid by the parents. Often, children are on a school bus for an hour. Now tell me if this is good for a young child.
"The direction the school system is going is that small, neighbourhood schools will be clsoing and overcrowding in others will occur. What is the benefit in that?
"How can these all be classified as 'better opportunities'?
"Our education system is in a fine mess, and the mess has only just begun.
"Unfortunately, Langley School Board District 35 has truly made a mess and is trying to clean it up by closing down our school. And no matter what they say about consultation with the public, experience has it that the consultation makes no difference to them."
NOTE: This is one parent's perspective. I have not verified the information, although I know that the school's future is being reviewed and the district is heavily in debt.
By Janet Steffenhagen,
26 January 2010
Parent Lee-Anne Robert sent me the following email about the possible closure of Glenwood elementary school in Langley.
"I am writing to you about the School District 35 review on the possible closure of two rural, elementary schools.
"I am a parent who has two children in Glenwood Elementary and in a matter of three years, will have another child entering kindergarten. I had hoped that he would also be in Glenwood Elementary, especially at a time when my other two would still be attending.
"However, our beloved school is now being reviewed for closure.
"The School District has put itself into millions of dollars in deficit. The actual amount is still not known. Unfortunately, a good portion of this money went into choice schools. Now the smaller, neighbourhood schools are in jeopardy, and so are our kids' education.
"The board says that bigger schools equals better opportunities for children. How can that be? In bigger schools, a child is now a statistic. Learning difficulties are not assessed quickly enough. Thereis no longer one-on-one.
"There is more bullying and thus more stress on a child, and more stress causes a decrease in grades. There is more peer pressure and introduction to substances at an earlier age. Morals decrease. And on the disadvantages grow.
"Elementary students are bussed to other schools, a bill paid by the parents. Often, children are on a school bus for an hour. Now tell me if this is good for a young child.
"The direction the school system is going is that small, neighbourhood schools will be clsoing and overcrowding in others will occur. What is the benefit in that?
"How can these all be classified as 'better opportunities'?
"Our education system is in a fine mess, and the mess has only just begun.
"Unfortunately, Langley School Board District 35 has truly made a mess and is trying to clean it up by closing down our school. And no matter what they say about consultation with the public, experience has it that the consultation makes no difference to them."
NOTE: This is one parent's perspective. I have not verified the information, although I know that the school's future is being reviewed and the district is heavily in debt.
History closes with schools
Langley Advance - Letter to the Editor
Published: Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Dear Editor,
What is happening to our education system in Langley? Whereas Langley once had a fabulous reputation for education, we are now seeing a different side.
The children no longer matter; what matters most is that elite schools are secured while the smaller, rural schools are being pushed out the door. Quality and morals exist in the small schools. Children matter in the small schools. Children are not just part of a population, but little people who matter, and with whom our future will someday lie.
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Accounting errors and lack of control of spending has put Langley School District in a deficit. Was it our children's faults? No, it was the people whom we trust to give our kids the education they deserve.
Now we hear of two rural schools facing closure, one my older children's school. In three more years, it will be my youngest child's school, as well - or it very well may not be, once the decision is made on March 23. One couldn't ask for a better school than Glenwood Elementary, where you are greeted warmly at the front desk and the secretary knows your name and exactly who your kids are.
You can be sure your kids are safe and secure. You can be sure that if your child has difficulties in learning, your child will have assistance. You can be sure that when you leave your children at this school, your children will have a great learning experience.
This does not happen at urban schools, yet the school board says there are more opportunities in bigger schools. That is only a sales pitch. If they close this school, they are closing a community, and closing a piece of history.
And they are closing their eyes to the present and the future of the children.
Lee-Anne Robert, Langley
Published: Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Dear Editor,
What is happening to our education system in Langley? Whereas Langley once had a fabulous reputation for education, we are now seeing a different side.
The children no longer matter; what matters most is that elite schools are secured while the smaller, rural schools are being pushed out the door. Quality and morals exist in the small schools. Children matter in the small schools. Children are not just part of a population, but little people who matter, and with whom our future will someday lie.
Email to a friend
Printer friendly
Font:
Accounting errors and lack of control of spending has put Langley School District in a deficit. Was it our children's faults? No, it was the people whom we trust to give our kids the education they deserve.
Now we hear of two rural schools facing closure, one my older children's school. In three more years, it will be my youngest child's school, as well - or it very well may not be, once the decision is made on March 23. One couldn't ask for a better school than Glenwood Elementary, where you are greeted warmly at the front desk and the secretary knows your name and exactly who your kids are.
You can be sure your kids are safe and secure. You can be sure that if your child has difficulties in learning, your child will have assistance. You can be sure that when you leave your children at this school, your children will have a great learning experience.
This does not happen at urban schools, yet the school board says there are more opportunities in bigger schools. That is only a sales pitch. If they close this school, they are closing a community, and closing a piece of history.
And they are closing their eyes to the present and the future of the children.
Lee-Anne Robert, Langley
District’s books getting a new look
By Natasha Jones - Langley Times
Published: January 26, 2010 2:00 PM
Updated: January 26, 2010 2:24 PM
There will be a fresh set of eyes to audit the books of the Langley School District.
At its meeting on Jan. 19, the board of education voted to ask the Auditor General to act as the district’s auditors for 2010 to 2015 school years.
Grant Thornton will remain auditors until the end of the current school year.
“I personally welcome this involvement,” board of education chairman Joan Bech commented.
“I believe it is a positive step to help ensure that the school district’s financial statements are complete and accurate.”
She said that a representative of the Office of the Auditor General will meet with Grant Thornton to review this year’s audit plan.
“We want to be very cautious,” said Trustee Steve Burton, adding that the district must ensure that “everything is done right.”
The move comes less than a year after miscalculations were first noticed in the school district’s finances. An examination of the district’s books by the international firm Deloitte revealed that finance department mistakes led to the district overspending its budget by $8.2 million over a two-year period.
Trustee Rob McFarlane noted that Grant Thornton’s financial statements were correct “and I think it’s important to give them credit for that.”
He welcomed another set of eyes to audit the district’s finances, and its suggestions for improving things “to avoid the mess we’re in.”
The Office of the Auditor General is independent of the legislative assembly and, like the Office of the Ombudsman, is not part of government.
The district will pay the Auditor General the same fee it pays Grant Thornton, which was paid $59,300 in the 2008/09 school year.
Interim secretary-treasurer Dave Greenan told trustees that a number of school districts, including Surrey, “are going in this direction (and) I think it’s a good thing.”
Having its finances audited by the Auditor General “was an option that was presented to the school district, and the school district was glad to take it up,” said spokesman Craig Spence. “It was not presented as something the school district had to do.”
Surrey School District spokesman Doug Strachan said that the switch to the Auditor General “was not at our request.” He added that the Office of the Auditor General conducts “random audits” of districts, and Surrey will be among them, starting in September.
Published: January 26, 2010 2:00 PM
Updated: January 26, 2010 2:24 PM
There will be a fresh set of eyes to audit the books of the Langley School District.
At its meeting on Jan. 19, the board of education voted to ask the Auditor General to act as the district’s auditors for 2010 to 2015 school years.
Grant Thornton will remain auditors until the end of the current school year.
“I personally welcome this involvement,” board of education chairman Joan Bech commented.
“I believe it is a positive step to help ensure that the school district’s financial statements are complete and accurate.”
She said that a representative of the Office of the Auditor General will meet with Grant Thornton to review this year’s audit plan.
“We want to be very cautious,” said Trustee Steve Burton, adding that the district must ensure that “everything is done right.”
The move comes less than a year after miscalculations were first noticed in the school district’s finances. An examination of the district’s books by the international firm Deloitte revealed that finance department mistakes led to the district overspending its budget by $8.2 million over a two-year period.
Trustee Rob McFarlane noted that Grant Thornton’s financial statements were correct “and I think it’s important to give them credit for that.”
He welcomed another set of eyes to audit the district’s finances, and its suggestions for improving things “to avoid the mess we’re in.”
The Office of the Auditor General is independent of the legislative assembly and, like the Office of the Ombudsman, is not part of government.
The district will pay the Auditor General the same fee it pays Grant Thornton, which was paid $59,300 in the 2008/09 school year.
Interim secretary-treasurer Dave Greenan told trustees that a number of school districts, including Surrey, “are going in this direction (and) I think it’s a good thing.”
Having its finances audited by the Auditor General “was an option that was presented to the school district, and the school district was glad to take it up,” said spokesman Craig Spence. “It was not presented as something the school district had to do.”
Surrey School District spokesman Doug Strachan said that the switch to the Auditor General “was not at our request.” He added that the Office of the Auditor General conducts “random audits” of districts, and Surrey will be among them, starting in September.
Glenwood closure doesn't make sense
Langley Times - Letter t the Editor
Editor: I have written the following letter to Langley school superintendent Cheryle Beaumont:
I am writing in response of your recommendation for a review of the possible closure of Glenwood Elementary.
When we were looking to buy a new home in Langley, we were also looking for a good school. We were very happy to find a home near Glenwood Elementary. Everyone we spoke to only had positive things to say about the school. They said how great the teachers are, noted that many of them have been with the school for many years, and commented how they are committed to teaching and caring for our children.
There is an exceptional level of education provided here. I saw that myself when the FSA results were published in the newspaper last year. My daughter is in Kindergarten and I see and hear all the things she is learning and how much she loves the school and her teacher. My daughter has many new friends in her class and loves going to school every day.
I chose this school for my daughter (and soon my son, who is now two-and-one-half years old). I want them, to go to Glenwood because of the nice classroom sizes.
Children benefit and learn more with fewer children in each class. Teachers and students get to know each other better and will benefit from closer, more personal relationships.
When there are larger classes and a lot more children, there is less control and more chance of bullying. Incidents may get overlooked or not noticed at all. Children do not thrive in larger class environments. They get lost in the system.
There are a lot of volunteer parents at Glenwood and I am happy to be one of them. I really enjoy being able to help out and get involved with the activities the school provides for my daughter.
If I had to take my daughter to a larger school farther away, I might not be able to get as involved as I also have to be there for my son Ryan. It is awful to think that my children might have to take the school bus, especially when there is no reason to put these children through a school closure.
You want to send all the Glenwood children to Noel Booth. According to the chart in your report, Noel Booth’s capacity is 363 children. The actual number enrolled is 327, and if you add 145 kids from Glenwood, that equals 472 children.
They already have a portable. How many more will they have to add? Will my children be in portables? How would you feel about your children being a portable in an overcrowded school? What level of education would you want for your child?
I know I don’t want my children going to an overcrowded school. That is not providing sound educational service.
How can you believe your projection graph to be accurate? I think you need to look at it again. From 2005-2009, for Grades 5, 6 and 7, it shows higher numbers and for each year prior to Grades 5, 6, and 7, the numbers increased, but your projection numbers are all minimal. You cannot use this as a guideline.
West of 208 Street along 24 Avenue, and in the surrounding areas, the area has either been rezoned or is in the process of being rezoned for residential housing. There are also a lot more homes to be built in High Point and a lot of those children are already attending Glenwood. So I see a different projection for the next five years.
How do you expect to get any enrolment for Kindergarten when you announce that the school may close a month before enrolment begins? That is pretty sly.
Instead of closing more schools, you should trim some of the top-heavy administration staff, salaries and ridiculous benefits. I think some math skills should be a prerequisite when doing the accounting. I have never heard of so many huge mistakes.
If that happened in any other corporation, the person or people responsible would be held accountable. Why hasn’t anything be done here?
If Glenwood does close, I will think twice about putting my children in public school again.
Liz Firth,
Langley
Editor: I have written the following letter to Langley school superintendent Cheryle Beaumont:
I am writing in response of your recommendation for a review of the possible closure of Glenwood Elementary.
When we were looking to buy a new home in Langley, we were also looking for a good school. We were very happy to find a home near Glenwood Elementary. Everyone we spoke to only had positive things to say about the school. They said how great the teachers are, noted that many of them have been with the school for many years, and commented how they are committed to teaching and caring for our children.
There is an exceptional level of education provided here. I saw that myself when the FSA results were published in the newspaper last year. My daughter is in Kindergarten and I see and hear all the things she is learning and how much she loves the school and her teacher. My daughter has many new friends in her class and loves going to school every day.
I chose this school for my daughter (and soon my son, who is now two-and-one-half years old). I want them, to go to Glenwood because of the nice classroom sizes.
Children benefit and learn more with fewer children in each class. Teachers and students get to know each other better and will benefit from closer, more personal relationships.
When there are larger classes and a lot more children, there is less control and more chance of bullying. Incidents may get overlooked or not noticed at all. Children do not thrive in larger class environments. They get lost in the system.
There are a lot of volunteer parents at Glenwood and I am happy to be one of them. I really enjoy being able to help out and get involved with the activities the school provides for my daughter.
If I had to take my daughter to a larger school farther away, I might not be able to get as involved as I also have to be there for my son Ryan. It is awful to think that my children might have to take the school bus, especially when there is no reason to put these children through a school closure.
You want to send all the Glenwood children to Noel Booth. According to the chart in your report, Noel Booth’s capacity is 363 children. The actual number enrolled is 327, and if you add 145 kids from Glenwood, that equals 472 children.
They already have a portable. How many more will they have to add? Will my children be in portables? How would you feel about your children being a portable in an overcrowded school? What level of education would you want for your child?
I know I don’t want my children going to an overcrowded school. That is not providing sound educational service.
How can you believe your projection graph to be accurate? I think you need to look at it again. From 2005-2009, for Grades 5, 6 and 7, it shows higher numbers and for each year prior to Grades 5, 6, and 7, the numbers increased, but your projection numbers are all minimal. You cannot use this as a guideline.
West of 208 Street along 24 Avenue, and in the surrounding areas, the area has either been rezoned or is in the process of being rezoned for residential housing. There are also a lot more homes to be built in High Point and a lot of those children are already attending Glenwood. So I see a different projection for the next five years.
How do you expect to get any enrolment for Kindergarten when you announce that the school may close a month before enrolment begins? That is pretty sly.
Instead of closing more schools, you should trim some of the top-heavy administration staff, salaries and ridiculous benefits. I think some math skills should be a prerequisite when doing the accounting. I have never heard of so many huge mistakes.
If that happened in any other corporation, the person or people responsible would be held accountable. Why hasn’t anything be done here?
If Glenwood does close, I will think twice about putting my children in public school again.
Liz Firth,
Langley
Langley seeks help from Auditor General
Susan Fonseca, President Langley Teachers' Association
January 25, 2010
"The LTA was greatly relieved to learn from the Auditor General that he will be overseeing the District’s financial statements for the 2009/10 school year. However, it appears from the public statements made by some trustees, that they are trying to make a virtue out of a political necessity.
We have no doubt that the Auditor General’s involvement is a direct result of the LTA’s letters to the Auditor General’s office written on November 3 and December 1, supported by letters from BCTF president Irene Lanzinger on November 20 and the NDP Education Opposition Critic Robin Austin on December 15. The LTA’s letters were copied to the Board of Education so they were made aware of our requests, yet the first we heard from the Board or senior management was when the Auditor General’s oversight of the district’s budget was announced publicly at last Tuesday’s Board meeting.
It is even more imperative than ever that this expert oversight occur. On Friday, January 22, the LTA received a response to our FOIPPA request of October 7, asking for financial information requested but not readily forthcoming from the District. Until Friday, the FOIPPA office considered the District to be in a state of “deemed refusal” to provide the information even after the extended 60 working day time limit for responding had expired.
The LTA had requested the names of the trustees and members of senior management who had sat on the District’s Audit Committees for each year between 2005/06 and 2008/09 as well as the current members for the 2009/10 school year, and copies of the existing minutes of those meetings.
To our utter disbelief, it has taken them over three months to admit to us that “such records do not exist.” Even though auditors Grant Thornton advised the district at the end of each year’s financial audits to improve internal controls, no Audit Committee was ever established, no meetings were held, so no minutes exist!
Based on the district's response to our specific question, they have not even proposed to appoint an Audit Committee for the 2009/10 school year.
In light of this district's track record and this new information, the LTA will be seeking members’ guidance at a General Meeting being held at 4:00 p.m. today, January 25th on the next steps the LTA will take in dealing with the District’s ongoing financial mismanagement."
January 25, 2010
"The LTA was greatly relieved to learn from the Auditor General that he will be overseeing the District’s financial statements for the 2009/10 school year. However, it appears from the public statements made by some trustees, that they are trying to make a virtue out of a political necessity.
We have no doubt that the Auditor General’s involvement is a direct result of the LTA’s letters to the Auditor General’s office written on November 3 and December 1, supported by letters from BCTF president Irene Lanzinger on November 20 and the NDP Education Opposition Critic Robin Austin on December 15. The LTA’s letters were copied to the Board of Education so they were made aware of our requests, yet the first we heard from the Board or senior management was when the Auditor General’s oversight of the district’s budget was announced publicly at last Tuesday’s Board meeting.
It is even more imperative than ever that this expert oversight occur. On Friday, January 22, the LTA received a response to our FOIPPA request of October 7, asking for financial information requested but not readily forthcoming from the District. Until Friday, the FOIPPA office considered the District to be in a state of “deemed refusal” to provide the information even after the extended 60 working day time limit for responding had expired.
The LTA had requested the names of the trustees and members of senior management who had sat on the District’s Audit Committees for each year between 2005/06 and 2008/09 as well as the current members for the 2009/10 school year, and copies of the existing minutes of those meetings.
To our utter disbelief, it has taken them over three months to admit to us that “such records do not exist.” Even though auditors Grant Thornton advised the district at the end of each year’s financial audits to improve internal controls, no Audit Committee was ever established, no meetings were held, so no minutes exist!
Based on the district's response to our specific question, they have not even proposed to appoint an Audit Committee for the 2009/10 school year.
In light of this district's track record and this new information, the LTA will be seeking members’ guidance at a General Meeting being held at 4:00 p.m. today, January 25th on the next steps the LTA will take in dealing with the District’s ongoing financial mismanagement."
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Small schools in the crosshairs
Small schools in the crosshairs
by Frank Bucholtz - Langley Times - Opinion
Published: January 19, 2010 2:00 PM
Updated: January 19, 2010 2:01 PM
The rubber is starting to hit the road as Langley School District grapples with the realities of an accumulated $8.2 million deficit.
Both County Line and Glenwood Elementaries are in line for closure, and it will take an intense and protracted community outcry and lobbying campaign to save them
The two rural schools are victims of several forces which are aligning to make it very challenging to keep small schools open, not just in Langley, but across the province.
One of those factors is provincial funding for education. Funding is based on the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) students, and covers not just teachers’ wages, but heating costs, busing, principal’s wages and other overhead.
County Line Elementary has just 98 students. It is hard to get enough funds to cover the overhead from the provincial funding that comes as a result of that enrolment.
This is particularly true when considering that Langley has many schools in rural areas, and all of them are suffering declining enrolment. The only place in Langley where school enrolment is growing significantly is Willoughby. It is too far from any of the rural schools to be a factor in helping keep them open.
Another force which has an impact on the fate of small schools is rising property values. Increasingly, rural Langley is being populated by wealthy people who wish to live in the country. They are the ones who can afford to. Many have few children — and for those who do, they have many more options than just sending their kids to the nearest public school.
Then there are demographics. Very few families nowadays have more than two children. Thus there are a smaller number of children in each household, and many have no children at all. People are waiting until later in life to have children as well.
All these factors place some significant pressures on rural schools. Add Langley’s unique financial situation, and you have the equivalent of a 16-tonne weight descending on these two rural schools and the families that depend on them.Langley School District has to come up with significant savings. By reducing overhead at small schools and combining them with other small schools, overhead costs will drop dramatically.
The district estimates it can save $411,000 by closing County Line, and another $311,000 by closing Glenwood. That’s annual savings of $722,000 by closing the two schools.
From a bottom line perspective, the closure appears to be inevitable. That’s not to say that there aren’t other factors to be considered — such as the length of time it takes to get children to school, the reduction in the sense of community that a school engenders, and the good education offered in smaller classes.
It is entirely possible that these two schools are just the first of many others which will face closure in the next few years. Langley has to get its annual operating costs down if it is to make any progress in paying off the accumulated deficit.
All that is cold comfort to those parents who value the excellent education offered at these two schools, and to the students who benefit from that instruction.
by Frank Bucholtz - Langley Times - Opinion
Published: January 19, 2010 2:00 PM
Updated: January 19, 2010 2:01 PM
The rubber is starting to hit the road as Langley School District grapples with the realities of an accumulated $8.2 million deficit.
Both County Line and Glenwood Elementaries are in line for closure, and it will take an intense and protracted community outcry and lobbying campaign to save them
The two rural schools are victims of several forces which are aligning to make it very challenging to keep small schools open, not just in Langley, but across the province.
One of those factors is provincial funding for education. Funding is based on the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) students, and covers not just teachers’ wages, but heating costs, busing, principal’s wages and other overhead.
County Line Elementary has just 98 students. It is hard to get enough funds to cover the overhead from the provincial funding that comes as a result of that enrolment.
This is particularly true when considering that Langley has many schools in rural areas, and all of them are suffering declining enrolment. The only place in Langley where school enrolment is growing significantly is Willoughby. It is too far from any of the rural schools to be a factor in helping keep them open.
Another force which has an impact on the fate of small schools is rising property values. Increasingly, rural Langley is being populated by wealthy people who wish to live in the country. They are the ones who can afford to. Many have few children — and for those who do, they have many more options than just sending their kids to the nearest public school.
Then there are demographics. Very few families nowadays have more than two children. Thus there are a smaller number of children in each household, and many have no children at all. People are waiting until later in life to have children as well.
All these factors place some significant pressures on rural schools. Add Langley’s unique financial situation, and you have the equivalent of a 16-tonne weight descending on these two rural schools and the families that depend on them.Langley School District has to come up with significant savings. By reducing overhead at small schools and combining them with other small schools, overhead costs will drop dramatically.
The district estimates it can save $411,000 by closing County Line, and another $311,000 by closing Glenwood. That’s annual savings of $722,000 by closing the two schools.
From a bottom line perspective, the closure appears to be inevitable. That’s not to say that there aren’t other factors to be considered — such as the length of time it takes to get children to school, the reduction in the sense of community that a school engenders, and the good education offered in smaller classes.
It is entirely possible that these two schools are just the first of many others which will face closure in the next few years. Langley has to get its annual operating costs down if it is to make any progress in paying off the accumulated deficit.
All that is cold comfort to those parents who value the excellent education offered at these two schools, and to the students who benefit from that instruction.
Langley seeks help from Auditor General
Langley seeks help from Auditor General
Janet Steffenhagen - Vancouver Sun blog
Report Card - An in-depth look at the B.C. Education system
January 22nd, 2010
Langley school district has hired the B.C. Auditor General's office to handle its books for the next five years, the Langley Advance reports.
The district usually employs Grant Thornton as its auditor but after this year, and for the next five years, the books will be reviewed by the Auditor General's office.
District staff told a board meeting last week that a handful of other districts make use of the same service.
"I'm looking forward to this," trustee Steve Burton is quoted as saying. "We want to be cautious, and this is a great first step.
The district has a deficit of $8.2 million, which was discovered last summer.
The Langley Teachers' Association welcomed the news, and has called on the Auditor General's office to investigate the roles of senior management, the story says.
"In particular, we request your investigation of the lack of funding transparency and failure to implement internal controls as recommended in the management letters for the past four years by district auditors, Grant Thornton," union president Susan Fonseca says in a letter.
Janet Steffenhagen - Vancouver Sun blog
Report Card - An in-depth look at the B.C. Education system
January 22nd, 2010
Langley school district has hired the B.C. Auditor General's office to handle its books for the next five years, the Langley Advance reports.
The district usually employs Grant Thornton as its auditor but after this year, and for the next five years, the books will be reviewed by the Auditor General's office.
District staff told a board meeting last week that a handful of other districts make use of the same service.
"I'm looking forward to this," trustee Steve Burton is quoted as saying. "We want to be cautious, and this is a great first step.
The district has a deficit of $8.2 million, which was discovered last summer.
The Langley Teachers' Association welcomed the news, and has called on the Auditor General's office to investigate the roles of senior management, the story says.
"In particular, we request your investigation of the lack of funding transparency and failure to implement internal controls as recommended in the management letters for the past four years by district auditors, Grant Thornton," union president Susan Fonseca says in a letter.
Friday, January 22, 2010
BCTF says Margaret MacDiarmid "in denial"
By Janet Steffenhagen - Vancouver Sun Blog
Report Card - An in-depth look at the B.C. education system
The B.C. Teachers' Federation says Education Minister Margaret MacDiarmid is in denial.
"From the Lower Mainland and the Island to the North and Interior, school districts are speaking out about devastating cuts they will have to make because of government cutbacks and underfunding," BCTF president Irene Lanzinger says in a release today. "Instead of taking the warnings seriously, the minister has been busy denying the problem, making up excuses and blaming school districts."
The minister blames declining enrolments, but enrolments have started to stabilize, Lanzinger says, adding that the decline of 3,500 students this year represents one percent of the total population. "That one per cent decline in enrolment is not the reason school districts are being forced to make millions of dollars worth of cuts," Lanzinger says.
MacDiarmid says the government has had to make tough choices, but she hasn't explained how the money spent on Olympic perks, a stadium roof or government advertising is more important than education, the BCTF president adds.
"Denying the problem is only costing her credibility with education stakeholders and the public," she says.
Report Card - An in-depth look at the B.C. education system
The B.C. Teachers' Federation says Education Minister Margaret MacDiarmid is in denial.
"From the Lower Mainland and the Island to the North and Interior, school districts are speaking out about devastating cuts they will have to make because of government cutbacks and underfunding," BCTF president Irene Lanzinger says in a release today. "Instead of taking the warnings seriously, the minister has been busy denying the problem, making up excuses and blaming school districts."
The minister blames declining enrolments, but enrolments have started to stabilize, Lanzinger says, adding that the decline of 3,500 students this year represents one percent of the total population. "That one per cent decline in enrolment is not the reason school districts are being forced to make millions of dollars worth of cuts," Lanzinger says.
MacDiarmid says the government has had to make tough choices, but she hasn't explained how the money spent on Olympic perks, a stadium roof or government advertising is more important than education, the BCTF president adds.
"Denying the problem is only costing her credibility with education stakeholders and the public," she says.
Good news... bad news
Bob Groeneveld, Langley Advance
Published: Friday, January 22, 2010
The situation over at Langley School Board seems to be like one of those running "good news... bad news" jokes.
The good news is that the board has decided to hire B.C.'s Auditor General to keep an eye on the local school district's financial figures.
The bad news is that the Auditor General should have been brought in a couple of years ago, before errors, miscalculations, and questionable management brought the district to its almost unbelievable $8.2-million deficit - an incredible five per cent of Langley's total $156-million public education budget.
The good news is... well, actually, at this point, the bad news gets worse: now it appears that the deficit may be even bigger that the deficit calculation that slugged local taxpayers between the eyes last summer. It may now be $9 million - or perhaps even $10 million.
The good news is that the board has decided to hire B.C.'s Auditor General. (We mentioned that one already, but it bore repeating, under the circumstances.)
The bad news is that teachers, although they are welcoming the Auditor General's input, aren't any happier about the overall situation than they were before - and little wonder, as it is unlikely they will be getting out of this without job losses.
The good news is that some trustees are starting to show the public that they understand the enormity of the situation. Rolling back their pay increases won't make a dent in the deficit, but it would have an important symbolic effect.
And in the final analysis? The good news is that the board has decided to hire B.C.'s Auditor General.
- B.G.
Published: Friday, January 22, 2010
The situation over at Langley School Board seems to be like one of those running "good news... bad news" jokes.
The good news is that the board has decided to hire B.C.'s Auditor General to keep an eye on the local school district's financial figures.
The bad news is that the Auditor General should have been brought in a couple of years ago, before errors, miscalculations, and questionable management brought the district to its almost unbelievable $8.2-million deficit - an incredible five per cent of Langley's total $156-million public education budget.
The good news is... well, actually, at this point, the bad news gets worse: now it appears that the deficit may be even bigger that the deficit calculation that slugged local taxpayers between the eyes last summer. It may now be $9 million - or perhaps even $10 million.
The good news is that the board has decided to hire B.C.'s Auditor General. (We mentioned that one already, but it bore repeating, under the circumstances.)
The bad news is that teachers, although they are welcoming the Auditor General's input, aren't any happier about the overall situation than they were before - and little wonder, as it is unlikely they will be getting out of this without job losses.
The good news is that some trustees are starting to show the public that they understand the enormity of the situation. Rolling back their pay increases won't make a dent in the deficit, but it would have an important symbolic effect.
And in the final analysis? The good news is that the board has decided to hire B.C.'s Auditor General.
- B.G.
A.G. checks Langley school books
Langley school trustees are hiring the provincial government to audit their books for the next five years.
Heather Colpitts, Langley Advance
Published: Friday, January 22, 2010
Langley School District has a new payroll addition: the B.C. Auditor General.
At Tuesday night's school board meeting, the trustees voted to hire the Auditor General's office to be the district auditor for 2010-2015, starting immediately.
"I didn't know Auditor General did this service," commented Trustee Rod Ross, during discussions on the hiring.
According to staff, there are a handful of other school districts doing it, as well.
"I also welcome another set of eyes and their experts," said Trustee Rob McFarlane.
Langley has typically hired the firm Grant Thornton as its auditor.
School board chair Joan Bech said the firm will remain as auditor for the current school year, providing assistance to the Auditor General's office.
"I'm looking forward to this," noted Trustee Steve Burton. "We want to be cautious, and this is a great first step." Bech told the Langley Advance that the process began last autumn. That's when the district found out it could hire the provincial office responsible for accounting and financial tracking of public bodies.
"They do [auditing for] a lot of public sector boards," she told the newspaper.
The Langley Teachers' Association welcomed the news, noting that, after the $8.2 million deficit came to light, the union and the BC Teachers' Federation sent requests to the Auditor General's office, asking it to get involved. That was Nov. 3. "I am aware of the recent developments at the district relating to the budget deficit for the past fiscal year," Auditor General John Doyle wrote to the LTA in mid-December.
Doyle said his office will be overseeing the audit for the district's financial statements dated June 30, 2010.
The LTA is also calling on the Auditor General's office to investigate the roles of senior management, namely the superintendent, secretary-treasurer at the time, and other finance department officials.
"In particular, we request your investigation of the lack of funding transparency and failure to implement internal controls as recommended in the management letters for the past four years by district auditors, Grant Thornton," LTA president Susan Fonseca wrote.
The request to have the provincial auditor hold Langley's superintendent of schools accountable was reiterated in a December letter.
In January, the LTA requested a meeting with Doyle to discuss the role of the Auditor General's office regarding the accountability of the superintendent.
The Auditor General's office would only provide broad information about its role as set out under law.
The statement said its oversight was originally to have begun for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011, but was moved up to June 30, 2010, although with little explanation as to why.
"This change is in response to a change in our assessment of the level of involvement required at the school district," Colleen Rose, the office's communications manager, said via email.
hcolpitts@langleyadvance.com
Heather Colpitts, Langley Advance
Published: Friday, January 22, 2010
Langley School District has a new payroll addition: the B.C. Auditor General.
At Tuesday night's school board meeting, the trustees voted to hire the Auditor General's office to be the district auditor for 2010-2015, starting immediately.
"I didn't know Auditor General did this service," commented Trustee Rod Ross, during discussions on the hiring.
According to staff, there are a handful of other school districts doing it, as well.
"I also welcome another set of eyes and their experts," said Trustee Rob McFarlane.
Langley has typically hired the firm Grant Thornton as its auditor.
School board chair Joan Bech said the firm will remain as auditor for the current school year, providing assistance to the Auditor General's office.
"I'm looking forward to this," noted Trustee Steve Burton. "We want to be cautious, and this is a great first step." Bech told the Langley Advance that the process began last autumn. That's when the district found out it could hire the provincial office responsible for accounting and financial tracking of public bodies.
"They do [auditing for] a lot of public sector boards," she told the newspaper.
The Langley Teachers' Association welcomed the news, noting that, after the $8.2 million deficit came to light, the union and the BC Teachers' Federation sent requests to the Auditor General's office, asking it to get involved. That was Nov. 3. "I am aware of the recent developments at the district relating to the budget deficit for the past fiscal year," Auditor General John Doyle wrote to the LTA in mid-December.
Doyle said his office will be overseeing the audit for the district's financial statements dated June 30, 2010.
The LTA is also calling on the Auditor General's office to investigate the roles of senior management, namely the superintendent, secretary-treasurer at the time, and other finance department officials.
"In particular, we request your investigation of the lack of funding transparency and failure to implement internal controls as recommended in the management letters for the past four years by district auditors, Grant Thornton," LTA president Susan Fonseca wrote.
The request to have the provincial auditor hold Langley's superintendent of schools accountable was reiterated in a December letter.
In January, the LTA requested a meeting with Doyle to discuss the role of the Auditor General's office regarding the accountability of the superintendent.
The Auditor General's office would only provide broad information about its role as set out under law.
The statement said its oversight was originally to have begun for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011, but was moved up to June 30, 2010, although with little explanation as to why.
"This change is in response to a change in our assessment of the level of involvement required at the school district," Colleen Rose, the office's communications manager, said via email.
hcolpitts@langleyadvance.com
School closure process formally begins
By Natasha Jones - Langley Times
Published: January 21, 2010 3:00 PM
Updated: January 21, 2010 3:33 PM
From the article:
Parents, students, teachers and staff are bracing themselves for the closure of two elementary schools, after the Langley Board of Education voted unanimously to begin the closure review process.
The vote gives the school communities of Glenwood and County Line Elementary schools until March 23 to come up with ways to convince the board of education to keep their schools open.
The School Act gives boards authority to close schools under specific conditions. These include enrolment that is too low to sustain a school economically and operationally. The district thinks that this is the case at both schools: County Line, built for 177 students, has 98, while Glenwood, built for 200, has 145 students.
Several trustees went to great lengths to assure the parents in the gallery of 90 people at Tuesday’s board meeting that closure was not a foregone conclusion.
Trustees Rod Ross and Wendy Johnson stressed that this was simply the “beginning of the process.”
“We encourage everyone involved to get involved,” Johnson said, urging the communities to communicate with each other, the district and trustees.
“We really need to hear your voices,” she said
For additional information, click here.
Published: January 21, 2010 3:00 PM
Updated: January 21, 2010 3:33 PM
From the article:
Parents, students, teachers and staff are bracing themselves for the closure of two elementary schools, after the Langley Board of Education voted unanimously to begin the closure review process.
The vote gives the school communities of Glenwood and County Line Elementary schools until March 23 to come up with ways to convince the board of education to keep their schools open.
The School Act gives boards authority to close schools under specific conditions. These include enrolment that is too low to sustain a school economically and operationally. The district thinks that this is the case at both schools: County Line, built for 177 students, has 98, while Glenwood, built for 200, has 145 students.
Several trustees went to great lengths to assure the parents in the gallery of 90 people at Tuesday’s board meeting that closure was not a foregone conclusion.
Trustees Rod Ross and Wendy Johnson stressed that this was simply the “beginning of the process.”
“We encourage everyone involved to get involved,” Johnson said, urging the communities to communicate with each other, the district and trustees.
“We really need to hear your voices,” she said
For additional information, click here.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
School districts warn of teacher layoffs and school closures
Hundreds of Vancouver teachers issued warning of potential layoff
By Janet Steffenhagen, Vancouver Sun
January 20th, 2010
The Vancouver school district issued layoff warnings Tuesday to hundreds of teachers, while Prince George trustees began a difficult discussion about the possible closure of 13 elementary, middle and secondary schools.
Around the province, school officials say they will enter 2010-11 budget deliberations with trepidation because small increases in provincial education grants are expected to be insufficient to cover the rising cost of teacher salaries, pensions, medical service premiums, BC Hydro and carbon neutrality.
Complaints about inadequate education funding aren't new, but this year trustees are sounding desperate.
"This year is a totally different story," Victoria board chair Tom Ferris said in an interview. "The cupboard is bare."
Prince George chair Lyn Hall said his district is reviewing all of its operations as it searches for ways of balancing next year's budget. Simply providing the same services next year that are offered this year would cost $7 million more.
"We're going to see the district look much different at the start of 2010," he said in an interview before a board meeting Tuesday night to consider a report from the district sustainability committee. Hall said he had not yet seen the report, but a copy leaked to The Vancouver Sun included recommendations for 13 school closures as well as school reconfigurations and boundary changes.
Prince George closed 14 schools between 2002 and 2003 to deal with declining enrolments and budget restraints.
"The financial challenge faced by School District 57 [Prince George] is undeniable and enormous," the six-page report says. "At the same time, the board expects that the learning needs of our students need to not only be met, but, wherever possible, enhanced."
Hall said he was expecting angst and anxiety as trustees considered drastic action. "I went through this in 2002 and 2003 and it impacts the entire district. It impacts communities, families. We have about 1,600 staff and I'm sure they're all wondering what this report has in it."
Several other districts are also considering school closures, including Kamloops-Thompson, where the future of half a dozen schools is being reviewed, Langley, North Vancouver, Kootenay-Columbia and the Sunshine Coast. Alberni is considering closing the only elementary school in Ucluelet.
Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows trustees have already voted to close two schools.
In Vancouver, letters warning of potential layoffs were delivered to 800 teachers in keeping with a collective agreement that requires advance notice. Although final decisions won't be made until after the education ministry announces the size of district operating grants in March, board chair Patti Bacchus said layoffs are a real possibility.
Vancouver hasn't laid off teachers since 2004, but this year it's facing a shortfall of $17.5 million to $36.3 million.
"If the provincial government fails to live up to its commitment to protect education and to fund the increased costs ... we will be looking at a shortfall that will be comparable to the one in 2003," Bacchus said.
To view the rest of the article, click here.
By Janet Steffenhagen, Vancouver Sun
January 20th, 2010
The Vancouver school district issued layoff warnings Tuesday to hundreds of teachers, while Prince George trustees began a difficult discussion about the possible closure of 13 elementary, middle and secondary schools.
Around the province, school officials say they will enter 2010-11 budget deliberations with trepidation because small increases in provincial education grants are expected to be insufficient to cover the rising cost of teacher salaries, pensions, medical service premiums, BC Hydro and carbon neutrality.
Complaints about inadequate education funding aren't new, but this year trustees are sounding desperate.
"This year is a totally different story," Victoria board chair Tom Ferris said in an interview. "The cupboard is bare."
Prince George chair Lyn Hall said his district is reviewing all of its operations as it searches for ways of balancing next year's budget. Simply providing the same services next year that are offered this year would cost $7 million more.
"We're going to see the district look much different at the start of 2010," he said in an interview before a board meeting Tuesday night to consider a report from the district sustainability committee. Hall said he had not yet seen the report, but a copy leaked to The Vancouver Sun included recommendations for 13 school closures as well as school reconfigurations and boundary changes.
Prince George closed 14 schools between 2002 and 2003 to deal with declining enrolments and budget restraints.
"The financial challenge faced by School District 57 [Prince George] is undeniable and enormous," the six-page report says. "At the same time, the board expects that the learning needs of our students need to not only be met, but, wherever possible, enhanced."
Hall said he was expecting angst and anxiety as trustees considered drastic action. "I went through this in 2002 and 2003 and it impacts the entire district. It impacts communities, families. We have about 1,600 staff and I'm sure they're all wondering what this report has in it."
Several other districts are also considering school closures, including Kamloops-Thompson, where the future of half a dozen schools is being reviewed, Langley, North Vancouver, Kootenay-Columbia and the Sunshine Coast. Alberni is considering closing the only elementary school in Ucluelet.
Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows trustees have already voted to close two schools.
In Vancouver, letters warning of potential layoffs were delivered to 800 teachers in keeping with a collective agreement that requires advance notice. Although final decisions won't be made until after the education ministry announces the size of district operating grants in March, board chair Patti Bacchus said layoffs are a real possibility.
Vancouver hasn't laid off teachers since 2004, but this year it's facing a shortfall of $17.5 million to $36.3 million.
"If the provincial government fails to live up to its commitment to protect education and to fund the increased costs ... we will be looking at a shortfall that will be comparable to the one in 2003," Bacchus said.
To view the rest of the article, click here.
Five districts side with teachers over tests
Five districts side with teachers over tests
Teachers find support in their fight against ‘compulsory’ provincial exams
By Janet Steffenhagen, Vancouver Sun
January 17th, 2010
Parents who want to withdraw their children from standardized tests that start today in Grades 4 and 7 will have no difficulty doing so in Vancouver public schools, despite government’s insistence that the controversial tests are not optional.
The board of education has told principals to go easy on parents who say they don’t want their children to take the Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA) annual tests in reading, writing and math.
Schools are required by government to administer the tests over a total of five hours between now and Feb. 26.
“We don’t ask for an explanation — it’s a personal decision,” board chair Patti Bacchus said Sunday. The board even gave parents a form to fill out if they didn’t want their children to write the tests.
Vancouver took a similar approach last year and, as a result, had one of the lowest FSA participation rates in the province, with only one in three children taking the tests.
The Burnaby board, meanwhile, has advised its principals to talk to parents about the importance of the FSA before agreeing to exclude children, but not to badger them. “We’re not going to send out the FSA police and drag them in,” board chair Diana Mumford said in an interview.
The approach will vary around the province as the Education Ministry and the B.C. Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) continue their long-standing battle over the FSA. Some districts are parroting the government’s message that the tests are not optional, while others appear to be siding with the union by offering parents an easy way out.
To view the rest of the article, click here.
Teachers find support in their fight against ‘compulsory’ provincial exams
By Janet Steffenhagen, Vancouver Sun
January 17th, 2010
Parents who want to withdraw their children from standardized tests that start today in Grades 4 and 7 will have no difficulty doing so in Vancouver public schools, despite government’s insistence that the controversial tests are not optional.
The board of education has told principals to go easy on parents who say they don’t want their children to take the Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA) annual tests in reading, writing and math.
Schools are required by government to administer the tests over a total of five hours between now and Feb. 26.
“We don’t ask for an explanation — it’s a personal decision,” board chair Patti Bacchus said Sunday. The board even gave parents a form to fill out if they didn’t want their children to write the tests.
Vancouver took a similar approach last year and, as a result, had one of the lowest FSA participation rates in the province, with only one in three children taking the tests.
The Burnaby board, meanwhile, has advised its principals to talk to parents about the importance of the FSA before agreeing to exclude children, but not to badger them. “We’re not going to send out the FSA police and drag them in,” board chair Diana Mumford said in an interview.
The approach will vary around the province as the Education Ministry and the B.C. Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) continue their long-standing battle over the FSA. Some districts are parroting the government’s message that the tests are not optional, while others appear to be siding with the union by offering parents an easy way out.
To view the rest of the article, click here.
Langley to consider school closures and trustee pay cuts
Janet Steffenhagen Vancouver Sun - Blog
Report Card - An in-depth look at the B.C. education system
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010
Last night was a difficult one for several boards of education . . . Prince George received a report recommending about a dozen school closures, North Vancouver got one proposing four closures and Langley began a review that could lead to the closure of two schools - County Line and Glenwood elementary. The district expects to complete that review by March 23.
Public meetings will be held at Glenwood on March 17 and County Line on March 18.
Also at Tuesday's meeting, Langley trustee Steve Burton served notice that he will move a motion at the next meeting to rollback an increase in trustees' pay that took effect in December. Burton will also propose that no further increase is approved until the school district deficit incurred in 2008-09 has been eliminated.
And, the board officially shut down the Langley School District Business Company after absorbing a debt of $66,246. "Trustees thanked the community members who had contributed many hours to the Langley School District Business Company during its years of operation," the district says in a summary of the meeting.
(Find that summary here.)
Report Card - An in-depth look at the B.C. education system
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010
Last night was a difficult one for several boards of education . . . Prince George received a report recommending about a dozen school closures, North Vancouver got one proposing four closures and Langley began a review that could lead to the closure of two schools - County Line and Glenwood elementary. The district expects to complete that review by March 23.
Public meetings will be held at Glenwood on March 17 and County Line on March 18.
Also at Tuesday's meeting, Langley trustee Steve Burton served notice that he will move a motion at the next meeting to rollback an increase in trustees' pay that took effect in December. Burton will also propose that no further increase is approved until the school district deficit incurred in 2008-09 has been eliminated.
And, the board officially shut down the Langley School District Business Company after absorbing a debt of $66,246. "Trustees thanked the community members who had contributed many hours to the Langley School District Business Company during its years of operation," the district says in a summary of the meeting.
(Find that summary here.)
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Controversy over FSA tests continues
By Natasha Jones - Langley Times
Published: January 19, 2010 1:00 PM
Updated: January 19, 2010 1:57 PM
Langley school children in Grades 4 and 7 are preparing to take the Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA), against a backdrop of criticism from the union representing the teachers who administer the exam, and the Minister of Education who is urging parents to support the mandatory test.
The FSA takes place every year, assessing B.C. students’ academic skills to give a snapshot of how well they are learning the skills that are the foundation of learning: reading comprehension, writing and numeracy.
According to the ministry, all students in Grades 4 and 7 must take the tests which are designed and developed by B.C. teachers. The ministry says that the main point of the FSAs is to help the province, school districts, schools and school planning councils evaluate how well students are achieving basic skills. The results may also point to areas where achievement levels need boosting.
In an open letter to parents, Education Minister Margaret MacDiarmid said that FSA results give parents and teachers a snapshot of how students are performing over time.
“We know that there is a very strong correlation between a child’s FSA scores and their future success in completing school. In other words, the earlier that we discover a student may be struggling, the faster teachers and principals can intervene to help them,” she said.
“It also allows us to track individual students to measure how they are doing in reading, writing and math problem solving,” MacDiarmid said.
Students who had met or exceeded expectations in Grade 7 reading achievement went on to obtain completion rates ranging from 90 to 100 per cent. Of those students who did not meet expectations for Grade 7 reading, only two-thirds went on to complete high school within the six-year time frame.
A year ago, Susan Fonseca, president of the Langley Teachers Association, called the FSAs a waste of time. The tests are administered on five half days in one week and take place in what she called “the richest month of the year for teaching” that has no holiday time to distract students or interrupt their studies.
But teachers’ main objection is that the scores are used by the Fraser Institute to rank schools.
According to Professor Harro Van Brummelen of Trinity Western University’s education department, there is merit in the tests, but he sympathizes with the teachers’ union and its objection to the results being used to rank schools.
Van Brummelen said that the capacity of the FSAs to identify strengths and areas where improvements are needed is a desirable aspect. Using the results to rank schools is problematic, not least of which is that because the FSAs assess only language and mathematical skills, some schools will teach towards those tests, narrowing the curriculum.
When that happens, subjects such as fine arts, social studies and science receive less attention, he said.
Published: January 19, 2010 1:00 PM
Updated: January 19, 2010 1:57 PM
Langley school children in Grades 4 and 7 are preparing to take the Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA), against a backdrop of criticism from the union representing the teachers who administer the exam, and the Minister of Education who is urging parents to support the mandatory test.
The FSA takes place every year, assessing B.C. students’ academic skills to give a snapshot of how well they are learning the skills that are the foundation of learning: reading comprehension, writing and numeracy.
According to the ministry, all students in Grades 4 and 7 must take the tests which are designed and developed by B.C. teachers. The ministry says that the main point of the FSAs is to help the province, school districts, schools and school planning councils evaluate how well students are achieving basic skills. The results may also point to areas where achievement levels need boosting.
In an open letter to parents, Education Minister Margaret MacDiarmid said that FSA results give parents and teachers a snapshot of how students are performing over time.
“We know that there is a very strong correlation between a child’s FSA scores and their future success in completing school. In other words, the earlier that we discover a student may be struggling, the faster teachers and principals can intervene to help them,” she said.
“It also allows us to track individual students to measure how they are doing in reading, writing and math problem solving,” MacDiarmid said.
Students who had met or exceeded expectations in Grade 7 reading achievement went on to obtain completion rates ranging from 90 to 100 per cent. Of those students who did not meet expectations for Grade 7 reading, only two-thirds went on to complete high school within the six-year time frame.
A year ago, Susan Fonseca, president of the Langley Teachers Association, called the FSAs a waste of time. The tests are administered on five half days in one week and take place in what she called “the richest month of the year for teaching” that has no holiday time to distract students or interrupt their studies.
But teachers’ main objection is that the scores are used by the Fraser Institute to rank schools.
According to Professor Harro Van Brummelen of Trinity Western University’s education department, there is merit in the tests, but he sympathizes with the teachers’ union and its objection to the results being used to rank schools.
Van Brummelen said that the capacity of the FSAs to identify strengths and areas where improvements are needed is a desirable aspect. Using the results to rank schools is problematic, not least of which is that because the FSAs assess only language and mathematical skills, some schools will teach towards those tests, narrowing the curriculum.
When that happens, subjects such as fine arts, social studies and science receive less attention, he said.
Historic County Line School to be Axed?
Historic County Line School to be Axed?
By Kurt Langmann - Aldergrove Star
Published: January 18, 2010 11:00 AM
Updated: January 18, 2010 5:09 PM
Aldergrove's rural County Line Elementary School is in line to be closed by Langley School District.
County Line and Glenwood schools are on the school board's agenda for their January 19 public meeting. School administrators have recommended that the two schools be considered for "possible school closure."
The review process would be completed by March 23 if approved by a majority of the trustees.
County Line school, in the 6000-block of 264 Street, has existed at this location since 1931. The original County Line school was built in 1918 at 272 Street and 56 Avenue and burned down in 1931. It replaced the first school in the area, Douglas School, which was built in 1895 at 272 Street and 48 Avenue.
In her report School Superintendent Cheryle Beaumont said, "County Line is a school that has been growing smaller for some time."
Its 2009 enrolment is 98 and is projected to fall to 97 by 2014, even with full day Kindergarten being offered.
Beaumont said one of the school's challenges is that split classes are required and "three grade splits may well become a reality. The school's relatively low budget, which is based on student enrolment, does not allow the school to offer as many services as are available to students in larger schools. While there are advantages to small classes, the cost in providing basic services to the school often leaves very little funding for support services which students benefit from in larger student populations."
Her report estimates there would be an annual operating savings of about $400,000 in the closure, in addition to "significant capital and maintenance expenses (that) will be necessary as the school is of the age where that will be required."
All County Line elementary students could be accommodated at North Otter elementary, although students could choose to attend any school in which space is available. North Otter currently has 226 enrolled and has capacity for 129 more students.
If the motion is approved by the board on Jan. 19, a school-based committee will be established to review issues. District Principal Suzanne Hoffman would chair the committee, which would include the school's Parents Advisory Council, staff and administration.
The school district had considered closure of County Line elementary in the 1980s but a community outcry had led the school district to expand County Line's catchment area as far south as the former Canada Forces Station. This inclusion of children from the military base and area had boosted the enrolment to close to its capacity of 177.
The district also made County Line a "feeder school" to DW Poppy Secondary at that time, after many years of it being an Aldergrove Secondary feeder school.
By Kurt Langmann - Aldergrove Star
Published: January 18, 2010 11:00 AM
Updated: January 18, 2010 5:09 PM
Aldergrove's rural County Line Elementary School is in line to be closed by Langley School District.
County Line and Glenwood schools are on the school board's agenda for their January 19 public meeting. School administrators have recommended that the two schools be considered for "possible school closure."
The review process would be completed by March 23 if approved by a majority of the trustees.
County Line school, in the 6000-block of 264 Street, has existed at this location since 1931. The original County Line school was built in 1918 at 272 Street and 56 Avenue and burned down in 1931. It replaced the first school in the area, Douglas School, which was built in 1895 at 272 Street and 48 Avenue.
In her report School Superintendent Cheryle Beaumont said, "County Line is a school that has been growing smaller for some time."
Its 2009 enrolment is 98 and is projected to fall to 97 by 2014, even with full day Kindergarten being offered.
Beaumont said one of the school's challenges is that split classes are required and "three grade splits may well become a reality. The school's relatively low budget, which is based on student enrolment, does not allow the school to offer as many services as are available to students in larger schools. While there are advantages to small classes, the cost in providing basic services to the school often leaves very little funding for support services which students benefit from in larger student populations."
Her report estimates there would be an annual operating savings of about $400,000 in the closure, in addition to "significant capital and maintenance expenses (that) will be necessary as the school is of the age where that will be required."
All County Line elementary students could be accommodated at North Otter elementary, although students could choose to attend any school in which space is available. North Otter currently has 226 enrolled and has capacity for 129 more students.
If the motion is approved by the board on Jan. 19, a school-based committee will be established to review issues. District Principal Suzanne Hoffman would chair the committee, which would include the school's Parents Advisory Council, staff and administration.
The school district had considered closure of County Line elementary in the 1980s but a community outcry had led the school district to expand County Line's catchment area as far south as the former Canada Forces Station. This inclusion of children from the military base and area had boosted the enrolment to close to its capacity of 177.
The district also made County Line a "feeder school" to DW Poppy Secondary at that time, after many years of it being an Aldergrove Secondary feeder school.
Rural Schools face closure
Rural schools face closure
Langley School District could save more than $700,000 by closing two elementary schools.
Heather Colpitts, Langley Advance
Published: Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Glenwood and County Line Elementary schools are under the microscope as Langley School District reviews them with an eye to closure.
Their closures would save the district about $744,000.
The school board will vote at Tuesday's monthly meeting on whether to start the review process on the two schools.
Omer Magusin, the County Line PAC president, said he plans to be there Tuesday. His group only found out about the proposed closure when the meeting agenda was released late last week but word spread quickly.
"At this point there are more questions than answers," he said.
If the board votes to go ahead, the resolution calls for the review to be done by March 23, 2010.
The School Act sets out requirements for closing a school that include community consultation and review of the closure implications on the district's other facilities.
Glenwood, with about 147 students, is at 207th Street and 24th Avenue. County Line is at 263rd Street and 62nd Avenue, and is the last public school in Glen Valley.
County Line originally opened at 56th Avenue in 1918, and burned to the ground in 1931. A three-room building was put up on the same site, with the new school built at its current location in 1948. (County Line Road is now known as 264th Street.)
The mostly rural area is in a population decline. Students numbers - 127 in 2005 - keep dwindling. This year the school has 98 students, and projections show that won't improve much in next five years.
The County Line students would be bused to North Otter Elementary or if there's room, Langley public schools of their choice.
Superintendent Cheryle Beaumont will present reports on the two school at Tuesday's meeting.
The district has plowed extra money into the schools so it wouldn't have multiple split grades in recent years.
"Even with additional resources offered and provided, the school cannot offer many programming options that other larger schools can" Beaumont said.
Glenwood's student numbers have dropped, from 174 in 2005 to 145 this year and will dip a bit lower over the next five years.
"All present Glenwood Elementary students could be accommodated at Noel Booth Elementary," Beaumont's report said.
Noel Booth Elementary enrolment is also in decline.
Another option outlined in the staff report has families opting to send their kids to Wix Brown Elementary, which is also seeing a decline in student numbers.
hcolpitts@langleyadvance.com
© Langley Advance 2010
Langley School District could save more than $700,000 by closing two elementary schools.
Heather Colpitts, Langley Advance
Published: Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Glenwood and County Line Elementary schools are under the microscope as Langley School District reviews them with an eye to closure.
Their closures would save the district about $744,000.
The school board will vote at Tuesday's monthly meeting on whether to start the review process on the two schools.
Omer Magusin, the County Line PAC president, said he plans to be there Tuesday. His group only found out about the proposed closure when the meeting agenda was released late last week but word spread quickly.
"At this point there are more questions than answers," he said.
If the board votes to go ahead, the resolution calls for the review to be done by March 23, 2010.
The School Act sets out requirements for closing a school that include community consultation and review of the closure implications on the district's other facilities.
Glenwood, with about 147 students, is at 207th Street and 24th Avenue. County Line is at 263rd Street and 62nd Avenue, and is the last public school in Glen Valley.
County Line originally opened at 56th Avenue in 1918, and burned to the ground in 1931. A three-room building was put up on the same site, with the new school built at its current location in 1948. (County Line Road is now known as 264th Street.)
The mostly rural area is in a population decline. Students numbers - 127 in 2005 - keep dwindling. This year the school has 98 students, and projections show that won't improve much in next five years.
The County Line students would be bused to North Otter Elementary or if there's room, Langley public schools of their choice.
Superintendent Cheryle Beaumont will present reports on the two school at Tuesday's meeting.
The district has plowed extra money into the schools so it wouldn't have multiple split grades in recent years.
"Even with additional resources offered and provided, the school cannot offer many programming options that other larger schools can" Beaumont said.
Glenwood's student numbers have dropped, from 174 in 2005 to 145 this year and will dip a bit lower over the next five years.
"All present Glenwood Elementary students could be accommodated at Noel Booth Elementary," Beaumont's report said.
Noel Booth Elementary enrolment is also in decline.
Another option outlined in the staff report has families opting to send their kids to Wix Brown Elementary, which is also seeing a decline in student numbers.
hcolpitts@langleyadvance.com
© Langley Advance 2010
Low enrolment leaves rural schools facing closure
Low enrolment leaves rural schools facing closure
By Natasha Jones - Langley Times
Published: January 19, 2010 12:00 PM
Updated: January 19, 2010 4:40 PM
Two rural schools may be closed at the the end of June, the casualties of stagnating low enrolment in their neighbourhoods.
The two are County Line Elementary, 26345 62 Ave. in Aldergrove, and Glenwood Elementary, which is situated at 20785 24 Ave., in the Fernridge community of south Langley.
The Langley Board of Education was to vote last night (Tuesday) on a recommendation from superintendent Cheryle Beaumont that staff review the “possible closure” of both facilities, and present their findings to trustees by March 23.
The School Act gives education boards authority to close schools if declining enrolment leaves them not viable from an economical or operational standpoint.
The numbers speak for themselves: County Line, built for 177 students, currently has 98. Glenwood’s capacity is 200; it has 145 pupils.
In her report Beaumont said that “County Line is a school that has been growing smaller for some time,” and Glenwood’s small enrolment has declined over several years.
Even the introduction of all-day Kindergarten cannot improve the numbers significantly. In fact, Beaumont noted that County Line’s enrolment is anticipated to fall by one student, and Glenwood’s by two, by 2014.
Beaumont said that one of County Line school’s challenges is that split classes are required and three grade splits may well become a reality. The school’s relatively low budget, which is based on student enrolment, does not allow the school to offer as many services as are available to students in larger schools.
“While there are advantages to small classes, the cost in providing basic services to the school often leaves very little funding for support services which students benefit from in larger student populations,” Beaumont said.
Her reports estimates that closing County Line will save $411,000 a year, and Glenwood $311,000.
All County Line elementary students can be accommodated at North Otter elementary, although students may choose to attend any school in which space is available. North Otter currently has 226 enrolled and has capacity for 129 more students.
If the motion is approved by the board, a school-based committee will be established to review issues. District principal Suzanne Hoffman would chair the committee, which would include the school’s Parents Advisory Council, staff and administration.
County Line has existed at its location since 1931. The original County Line school, built in 1918 at 272 Street and 56 Avenue, burned down in 1931. It replaced the first school in the area, Douglas School, which was built in 1895 at 272 Street and 48 Avenue.
The school district had considered closure of County Line elementary in the 1980s but a community outcry led the school district to expand County Line’s catchment area as far south as the former Canada Forces Station. This inclusion of children from the military base and area had boosted enrolment close to its capacity of 177.
Glenwood’s capacity has slumped, despite the fact that it took a number of students when South Carvolth Elementary closed at the end of 2006.
Beaumont said that the students from Glenwood can be accomodated at Noel Booth Elementary, while North Otter Elementary has sufficient space for the displaced County Line children.
By Natasha Jones - Langley Times
Published: January 19, 2010 12:00 PM
Updated: January 19, 2010 4:40 PM
Two rural schools may be closed at the the end of June, the casualties of stagnating low enrolment in their neighbourhoods.
The two are County Line Elementary, 26345 62 Ave. in Aldergrove, and Glenwood Elementary, which is situated at 20785 24 Ave., in the Fernridge community of south Langley.
The Langley Board of Education was to vote last night (Tuesday) on a recommendation from superintendent Cheryle Beaumont that staff review the “possible closure” of both facilities, and present their findings to trustees by March 23.
The School Act gives education boards authority to close schools if declining enrolment leaves them not viable from an economical or operational standpoint.
The numbers speak for themselves: County Line, built for 177 students, currently has 98. Glenwood’s capacity is 200; it has 145 pupils.
In her report Beaumont said that “County Line is a school that has been growing smaller for some time,” and Glenwood’s small enrolment has declined over several years.
Even the introduction of all-day Kindergarten cannot improve the numbers significantly. In fact, Beaumont noted that County Line’s enrolment is anticipated to fall by one student, and Glenwood’s by two, by 2014.
Beaumont said that one of County Line school’s challenges is that split classes are required and three grade splits may well become a reality. The school’s relatively low budget, which is based on student enrolment, does not allow the school to offer as many services as are available to students in larger schools.
“While there are advantages to small classes, the cost in providing basic services to the school often leaves very little funding for support services which students benefit from in larger student populations,” Beaumont said.
Her reports estimates that closing County Line will save $411,000 a year, and Glenwood $311,000.
All County Line elementary students can be accommodated at North Otter elementary, although students may choose to attend any school in which space is available. North Otter currently has 226 enrolled and has capacity for 129 more students.
If the motion is approved by the board, a school-based committee will be established to review issues. District principal Suzanne Hoffman would chair the committee, which would include the school’s Parents Advisory Council, staff and administration.
County Line has existed at its location since 1931. The original County Line school, built in 1918 at 272 Street and 56 Avenue, burned down in 1931. It replaced the first school in the area, Douglas School, which was built in 1895 at 272 Street and 48 Avenue.
The school district had considered closure of County Line elementary in the 1980s but a community outcry led the school district to expand County Line’s catchment area as far south as the former Canada Forces Station. This inclusion of children from the military base and area had boosted enrolment close to its capacity of 177.
Glenwood’s capacity has slumped, despite the fact that it took a number of students when South Carvolth Elementary closed at the end of 2006.
Beaumont said that the students from Glenwood can be accomodated at Noel Booth Elementary, while North Otter Elementary has sufficient space for the displaced County Line children.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Langley teachers advise against FSAs
Langley Advance - Letter to the Editor
Published: Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Dear Editor,
The Foundation Skills Assessments (FSA) will be administered at elementary schools around B.C. in Grades 4 and 7 this year, beginning Jan. 18 and continuing into February.
Teachers will administer these bureaucratically mandated tests, but we don't support them. In anticipation of the potential perception that teachers are somehow opposed to testing, let me assure you that we are not.
Teachers continually assess students through a variety of methods to improve learning and instruction. The main purpose of classroom assessment is to support student learning, not simply to measure it. What teachers are opposed to is inappropriate testing and the inappropriate use of the results of these tests.
Teachers remain opposed to the FSA because:
- it is ineffective in improving student achievement,
- it actually interferes with instruction and learning opportunities,
- it is a costly waste of time and precious resources,
- FSA results are not used for report cards or to diagnose learning problems,
- nothing is produced from the FSA but data and data produces nothing of practical value for either the student or the teacher,
- the results are provided to the Fraser Institute, a private organization, which misuses them to rank schools on the basis on one narrow test and promote privatization of public education, and
- the results are not used to determine which schools may need extra resources.
It is difficult to justify spending money on census-style tests when the government is continuing to take money out of the system through the continuing cancellation of school district grants. That latest grant to be cancelled in December was used for literacy initiatives.
As parents increasingly choose to withdraw their children from the tests, the questionable validity of the FSA is even further eroded. More than 30 per cent of students in Vancouver didn't write the tests last year, compared with more than 40 per cent in Maple Ridge and 16 per cent of students across B.C. who avoided the tests.
Langley teachers encourage parents to withdraw their children from the FSA and send a letter to their school principal requesting that their child spend time engaged in learning activities instead. The Vancouver School Board has agreed to honour such requests.
This week parents of all Grade 4 and 7 students in Langley will receive sealed envelopes containing three pamphlets from the LTA. These envelopes are being sent home with the agreement of the BCTF, BCPSEA and the School District, and contain two informational pamphlets and one which has a tear-off form which parents can fill in, should they choose to, informing their child's principal that they are withdrawing their child from the test.
As stated in past legal decisions on the Freedom of Expression, teachers have both the right and the responsibility to discuss any information regarding the state of public education with parents. Just as importantly, parents have the right to receive this information to help them form their own perspectives on public school issues which affect their children.
Once this form is sent back to the school, parents may receive a phone call from their child's principal, or a letter from the district explaining why their child needs to write the test. Parents have the right to change their position regarding their child writing the test, or to simply restate that their child will not be writing the FSA.
We encourage parents to discuss these issues with their child's classroom teacher. Although the Ministry of Education claims parents cannot withdraw their child from the test, parents all over the province have done it, citing their lack of confidence in the test as an "extenuating circumstance."
In 2009, students who were exempted from the FSA received reports saying they were "not meeting expectations." Obviously, this was a concern for parents. In response to the BCTF's inquiries about this, Ministry staff have stated that there will be no reports generated for students who do not write the FSA this year. Only students who do write the FSA will receive a report.
Provincially, teachers have urged the BC Ministry of Education to adopt a two-year moratorium on all standardized tests, including the FSA. Teachers have further called for government to establish a Testing and Assessment Task Force as some districts have done, to explore the issues and information about assessment and to make recommendations to government before the conclusion of the moratorium.
Improvements in public education in B.C. will occur not as a result of any single test analysis, but rather by ending the years of chronic under funding of public education by this provincial government.
Susan Fonseca, Langley Teachers' Association
Published: Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Dear Editor,
The Foundation Skills Assessments (FSA) will be administered at elementary schools around B.C. in Grades 4 and 7 this year, beginning Jan. 18 and continuing into February.
Teachers will administer these bureaucratically mandated tests, but we don't support them. In anticipation of the potential perception that teachers are somehow opposed to testing, let me assure you that we are not.
Teachers continually assess students through a variety of methods to improve learning and instruction. The main purpose of classroom assessment is to support student learning, not simply to measure it. What teachers are opposed to is inappropriate testing and the inappropriate use of the results of these tests.
Teachers remain opposed to the FSA because:
- it is ineffective in improving student achievement,
- it actually interferes with instruction and learning opportunities,
- it is a costly waste of time and precious resources,
- FSA results are not used for report cards or to diagnose learning problems,
- nothing is produced from the FSA but data and data produces nothing of practical value for either the student or the teacher,
- the results are provided to the Fraser Institute, a private organization, which misuses them to rank schools on the basis on one narrow test and promote privatization of public education, and
- the results are not used to determine which schools may need extra resources.
It is difficult to justify spending money on census-style tests when the government is continuing to take money out of the system through the continuing cancellation of school district grants. That latest grant to be cancelled in December was used for literacy initiatives.
As parents increasingly choose to withdraw their children from the tests, the questionable validity of the FSA is even further eroded. More than 30 per cent of students in Vancouver didn't write the tests last year, compared with more than 40 per cent in Maple Ridge and 16 per cent of students across B.C. who avoided the tests.
Langley teachers encourage parents to withdraw their children from the FSA and send a letter to their school principal requesting that their child spend time engaged in learning activities instead. The Vancouver School Board has agreed to honour such requests.
This week parents of all Grade 4 and 7 students in Langley will receive sealed envelopes containing three pamphlets from the LTA. These envelopes are being sent home with the agreement of the BCTF, BCPSEA and the School District, and contain two informational pamphlets and one which has a tear-off form which parents can fill in, should they choose to, informing their child's principal that they are withdrawing their child from the test.
As stated in past legal decisions on the Freedom of Expression, teachers have both the right and the responsibility to discuss any information regarding the state of public education with parents. Just as importantly, parents have the right to receive this information to help them form their own perspectives on public school issues which affect their children.
Once this form is sent back to the school, parents may receive a phone call from their child's principal, or a letter from the district explaining why their child needs to write the test. Parents have the right to change their position regarding their child writing the test, or to simply restate that their child will not be writing the FSA.
We encourage parents to discuss these issues with their child's classroom teacher. Although the Ministry of Education claims parents cannot withdraw their child from the test, parents all over the province have done it, citing their lack of confidence in the test as an "extenuating circumstance."
In 2009, students who were exempted from the FSA received reports saying they were "not meeting expectations." Obviously, this was a concern for parents. In response to the BCTF's inquiries about this, Ministry staff have stated that there will be no reports generated for students who do not write the FSA this year. Only students who do write the FSA will receive a report.
Provincially, teachers have urged the BC Ministry of Education to adopt a two-year moratorium on all standardized tests, including the FSA. Teachers have further called for government to establish a Testing and Assessment Task Force as some districts have done, to explore the issues and information about assessment and to make recommendations to government before the conclusion of the moratorium.
Improvements in public education in B.C. will occur not as a result of any single test analysis, but rather by ending the years of chronic under funding of public education by this provincial government.
Susan Fonseca, Langley Teachers' Association
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Teachers win days off for crowded classes
Teachers win days off for crowded classes
By Jack Keating
The Province
January 13, 2009
Teachers must be compensated with paid days off for forcing them to work in overcrowded classrooms, in violation of the B.C. government's legislated class-size and composition standards, an arbitrator has ruled.
"This is a win for teachers, but it's more a win for students and the learning conditions in classrooms," said BCTF vice-president Susan Lambert on Tuesday.
Arbitrator James Dorsey said school districts ignored the law in allowing classes with more than 30 students and/or more than three students with special needs.
He ruled that 21 teachers in Vancouver, Saanich, Qualicum and Terrace will receive between one and nine days off, from the 2006-07 and 2007-08 school years.
Lambert said the 74-page ruling released Monday is significant because it will now "set the process" for settling another 1,500 grievances from the same school years, as well as thousands of others for last year and the current year.
Education Minister Margaret MacDiarmid tried to distance herself from the issue, saying it was a "dispute" between the employer, the B.C. Public School Employers Association, and the employees, represented by the BCTF.
Lambert said boards must now look at their budgets and make sure classes are within those legislated limits, while the B.C. government must provide the proper funding.
NDP education critic Robin Austin said the problem is caused by provincial underfunding. "This ruling is the result of years of cuts and downloaded costs, something that will only get worse if the HST is implemented and takes even more resources out of the classroom," he added.
jkeating@theprovince.com
© Copyright (c) The Province
By Jack Keating
The Province
January 13, 2009
Teachers must be compensated with paid days off for forcing them to work in overcrowded classrooms, in violation of the B.C. government's legislated class-size and composition standards, an arbitrator has ruled.
"This is a win for teachers, but it's more a win for students and the learning conditions in classrooms," said BCTF vice-president Susan Lambert on Tuesday.
Arbitrator James Dorsey said school districts ignored the law in allowing classes with more than 30 students and/or more than three students with special needs.
He ruled that 21 teachers in Vancouver, Saanich, Qualicum and Terrace will receive between one and nine days off, from the 2006-07 and 2007-08 school years.
Lambert said the 74-page ruling released Monday is significant because it will now "set the process" for settling another 1,500 grievances from the same school years, as well as thousands of others for last year and the current year.
Education Minister Margaret MacDiarmid tried to distance herself from the issue, saying it was a "dispute" between the employer, the B.C. Public School Employers Association, and the employees, represented by the BCTF.
Lambert said boards must now look at their budgets and make sure classes are within those legislated limits, while the B.C. government must provide the proper funding.
NDP education critic Robin Austin said the problem is caused by provincial underfunding. "This ruling is the result of years of cuts and downloaded costs, something that will only get worse if the HST is implemented and takes even more resources out of the classroom," he added.
jkeating@theprovince.com
© Copyright (c) The Province
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
District budget needs work
Matthew Claxton, Langley Advance
Published: Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Among the many worthy programs the Langley School District offers its 18,000 students are a wide range of math classes.
From simple addition and subtraction for the younger children, to calculus for students heading to university, Langley students have the opportunity for a thorough grounding in mathematics.
Sadly, none of the students were on hand to help when someone at the board office mislaid $8.2 million over the past few years.
The district recently announced it is starting its budget process for the next year. Parents, teachers, support staff, and students themselves will all take a keen interest in how this budget turns out.
As the announcement from superintendent Cheryle Beaumont noted, the money is never infinite.
Ask any principal or teacher, and they'll tell you what they could use: smaller classes, more time with kids, more books for the libraries, more computers, money for field trips, more sports equipment. A hundred good, worthwhile programs have to fall by the wayside every year.
The question is, how many programs will die this year?
Much hinges on a decision by the Ministry of Education. Will Langley have three years, four years, or only two in which to wipe out its deficit?
The letter announcing the budget process does not contain a single word about the missing money, about the pending provincial decision, or about the cuts that will have to be made.
Unfortunately, we're not only going to have to add to the district's F grade in math from last year. Now they get an F in communication, too.
Published: Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Among the many worthy programs the Langley School District offers its 18,000 students are a wide range of math classes.
From simple addition and subtraction for the younger children, to calculus for students heading to university, Langley students have the opportunity for a thorough grounding in mathematics.
Sadly, none of the students were on hand to help when someone at the board office mislaid $8.2 million over the past few years.
The district recently announced it is starting its budget process for the next year. Parents, teachers, support staff, and students themselves will all take a keen interest in how this budget turns out.
As the announcement from superintendent Cheryle Beaumont noted, the money is never infinite.
Ask any principal or teacher, and they'll tell you what they could use: smaller classes, more time with kids, more books for the libraries, more computers, money for field trips, more sports equipment. A hundred good, worthwhile programs have to fall by the wayside every year.
The question is, how many programs will die this year?
Much hinges on a decision by the Ministry of Education. Will Langley have three years, four years, or only two in which to wipe out its deficit?
The letter announcing the budget process does not contain a single word about the missing money, about the pending provincial decision, or about the cuts that will have to be made.
Unfortunately, we're not only going to have to add to the district's F grade in math from last year. Now they get an F in communication, too.
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