‘It’s provincial funding that is lacking’; KTTA president calls on province to secure sustainable funding for schools

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“We do see it as just the result of underfunding provincially for such a very long time, it’s hard for districts to keep up,” said Martin. “Those that have a surplus are fortunate, but at some point, as we all know with our own personal budgets, too, if we keep draining the surplus and we keep dipping into our savings, that doesn’t last forever and that is not sustainable. That is our concern.”

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When looking for provincial dollars, it’s easy to get caught up in the need for a new school building — for example, the need for new schools in Aberdeen and Batchelor Heights — but general operating costs are just as important for the Kamloops teachers, along with proper funding for teacher recruitment and retention.

“It’s very expensive in a district this size to run transportation, to do just the basic repairs that buildings always need. And we are an inclusive district, so that requires a lot of student support and that is expensive, too. And it’s not just this district. We believe that it is provincial funding that is lacking, and it has been for a long time,” stated Martin. “When you hear Premier (David) Eby talk about a counsellor in every school and [an educational assistant] in every primary classroom, where does that come from if the province isn’t providing that money?”

CFJC News did reach out to Minister of Education Lisa Beare for comment. She was not made available for an interview but ministerial staff did provide a written comment, citing increases to education funding since the NDP claimed power in 2017.

“The province has been steadily increasing operating funding since 2017, with more than $8 billion going to school districts this year – over 50 per cent more than in 2016/17,” reads the information provided by the Ministry of Education and Child Care. “For the 2024/25 school year, almost $220 million in operating and special grants is committed to SD73. The ministry will continue to work with SD73 to ensure that funding is utilized as effectively as possible to meet the needs of today’s students.”