Open letter to:

Honourable Peter Fassbender Minister of Education
Jim Iker President BC Teachers Federation
Michael Marchbank Public Administrator BC Public School Employers’ Association

I am writing on behalf of the Board of Education of School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha).

As a Board, we continually and regularly advocate for our students and district. We believe that the public education system is the best way to provide high quality learning for every British Columbian. Educated citizens contribute to a vibrant, democratic and prosperous society of which we are very proud. We fully support the position of the British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA) letter dated June 23, 2014 and add our voice.

We have heard from our teachers, staff, students and administrators, who have all put forward incredible effort under very difficult circumstances. Morale is extremely low, the system is in turmoil, students and families are extremely affected. The local
relationships, which we work hard to maintain, are being strained to the edge of breaking. We have favoured a negotiated settlement; however, we feel the parties are too far apart at this time.

We call on the bargaining teams to:

Move forward now; it is imperative that an agreement be reached before September in order that the next school year begins on time and that students can return to a regular school year; Take advantage of all dispute resolution mechanisms available in order to come to an agreement; Move to a media blackout while bargaining is in session; be respectful; Work for an agreement that is a long-term solution, allowing relationships to heal as we go forward; and Ensure sustainable and adequate funding for a fair settlement. This current situation needs to move forward; all parties of influence need to act now to resolve this dispute! Therefore, we strongly urge each of you to find common ground, put differences aside, and reach a fair and equitable agreement immediately.

Bruce Johnson Chair, Board of Education SD 67 Okanagan Skaha