Independent media needs you. Join the Tyee.

The Hook: Political news, freshly caught

BC government appoints advisor to Vancouver school board

Education minister Margaret MacDiarmid today appointed a special advisor to review the Vancouver school board's finances.

“The Vancouver board of education is either unable or unwilling to manage its resources to protect the interests of students, and we are interpreting this as an indication this board needs extra help,” MacDiarmid said in a press release.

School board chair Patti Bacchus recently sent a letter to parents warning it has to cut $18.12 million to address a funding shortfall for the 2010-2011 fiscal year, the Tyee reported.

MacDiarmid appointed provincial comptroller general Cheryl Wenezenki-Yolland as special advisor to “review the board's budget development process, benchmarks, financial forecasts and position, management capacity, administrative expenditures, and opportunities for economies of scale.”

Wenezenki-Yolland is to report back by May 31, giving the school board until June 30 to complete its budget process. The Vancouver board has a budget of $443.1 million for next year, which the government says is an increase despite falling enrolment.

School boards have had to absorb many costs downloaded by the provincial government, said NDP leader Carole James.

“People are elected to school board to help provide quality education to kids,” she said. “They're doing this job because they care about kids. It's about time the minister sat down and had a conversation with them about how she could do the same.”

Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Reach him here.

Find more in:

What have we missed? What do you think? We want to know. Comment below. Keep in mind:

Do:

  • Verify facts, debunk rumours
  • Add context and background
  • Spot typos and logical fallacies
  • Highlight reporting blind spots
  • Ignore trolls
  • Treat all with respect and curiosity
  • Connect with each other

Do not:

  • Use sexist, classist, racist or homophobic language
  • Libel or defame
  • Bully or troll
  • Troll patrol. Instead, flag suspect activity.
comments powered by Disqus