Debate over B.C. private school funding reignited after new report findings
In this discussion of the new report on public funding to private schools, Andrew Longhurst of the CCPA concluded there is “no justifiable reason—financially or ethically to keep funding private schools” at a time when public schools are facing spending cuts by the provincial government. The Minister stated, “Really, this is about choice for families and choice for parents.”
See IPE paper, Choice- the formula for inequality.New report: Public Funding for BC’s private schools is indefensible.
In the new CCPA report on public funding going to private schools, Andrew Longhurst reveals, “Private school spending is increasing faster than public school per-pupil spending in BC, when analyzed on inflation-adjusted per-pupil terms: Between 1999-2000 and 2025-26, B.C. spending on public schools increased by 32 per cent compared to 50 per cent for private schools.”
See alsoTDSB to end policy that saw high-needs schools get extra staff
The Ford government placed the Toronto District School Board under “provincial supervision” and now we’re seeing cuts to staffing (a whopping 289 positions projected to be cut), an end to additional support for high needs schools, and a removal of the previous class size cap on grades 4-8.
See also Toronto supervisor removed class size cap for grades 4-8 and TDSB says nearly 300 jobs will be cut in the fall.Greater Victoria District considers $250k cuts to music programming
Parents, students, community members and music advocates are organizing to try to save music programming in the GVSD from cuts. In 2025 government replaced the Greater Victoria elected school board with a single appointed “trustee”.
See also Public School Music Education Deserves a Standing Ovation and More Funding, Victoria teachers say budget cuts sacrafice student supports, and Students launch fundraiser to stop cuts to Greater Victoria school music programs.Fired school trustees win access to more documents
Firing a democratically elected school board is a very serious action that requires complete transparency, at the very least.
See also IPE/BC Statement on the firing of the democratically elected Greater Victoria School Board and Statement of Concern from the Institute for Public Education BC.Closed elementary schools in Penticton and Summerland get new life through YMCA
Rather than selling off three closed elementary school sites, the district is partnering with the YMCA to the benefit of the whole community. The schools will be used for affordable recreation programs, fitness, activities and community connections for children youth, families, adults and seniors.
See also Gone Forever; the folly of selling off public school land.A BC program made Kindergarten less stressful. Now it’s ending.
We know that the transition to kindergarten can be stressful for some young children. The Seamless Day program was successfully in helping to ensure smooth transition to kindergarten.
For more info see:
Ministry news releases on the benefits and success of the program, 2023, 2021New Richmond elementary school to draw from four curr:ent schools
Getting a badly needed new school is great news, but shaking up catchment areas can be hard of students and families. Close collaboration with school communities is essential to minimize the disruption.
For more information see:
Placing a priority on public education
Building capacity in education for BC’s futureOntario high-schoolers need higher grades to get into university than every, data shows
With more students graduating with very high averages, admissions to top university programs are more competitive than ever. Universities may adjust by weighing other parts of applications besides grades — such as essays, extracurriculars, interviews or school profiles. Does this make it even harder for students from less-affluent families — who may not have access to extracurricular activities or may need to hold down part time jobs — to get into top university programs? Are marks the best way to decide who gets into top programs?Free meals expanded to nearly every school in Surrey through ‘desperately needed’ program
“The number of schools and students needing food support across the Surrey school district has doubled since 2024. Across the district, 115 schools provide lunch to students in need, up from 57 in 2024, a report from the district states.”
For more information see:
BC Chapter of the Coalition for Healthy School Food
Coalition for Healthy School Food (Canada)
IPE/BC Submission to the Federal Budget Consultation 2024Parents urge Ontario government to reinstate TDSB class size cap for grades 4-8
“Rohit Gupta, a provincially appointed supervisor of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), has lifted the cap on class sizes that was put in place by trustees for 2025-2026 school year.”
For more information see:
Do School Board elections matter?
Why do School Boards matter?
BC’s School Boards matter, but only if they act like it
IPE/BC statement on the firing of the democratically elected Greater Victoria Sch? ool BoardGreater Victoria School District Board switching to ward system
Will electing the GVSB through a ward system enhance representation and how does it square with the Ministry firing a democratically elected board?
For more information on see above links in news item above.
