The BCTF and their employer are currently meeting to discuss how to proceed, after the recent decision by the Supreme Court of Canada:
Both the B.C. Teachers’ Federation and the B.C. Public School Employers’ Association said the discussion went well and will continue with an all-day meeting Friday.
“We left feeling positive and cautiously optimistic about next steps,” said BCTF president Glen Hansman.
The employers association said in a statement on its website that the meeting was a “positive start.”
…Hansman said implementation may take some time, so districts can determine what positions are needed to fill the gaps between the 2002 language and what is in place today. After that, they will post the positions, go through an application process and finally fill them.
“This isn’t like flicking on a light switch,” Hansman said.
…Hansman said it may be difficult to find enough qualified teachers for some positions, especially in rural areas of the province or in specialty areas like French immersion, secondary school science or school counsellors.
The BCTF estimates the restoration could mean adding $250 million to $300 million to B.C.’s $5.1-billion annual school budget — though school superintendents estimated as much as $1 billion in 2014.
For those interested, DPAC has a copy of the language stripped from the BCTF contract, with notes as to the SD57 staffing ratios.
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