Kootenay Lake DPAC lobbies province, BCTF to end job action
By Nelson Daily Staff
By a unanimous vote, the Kootenay Lake District Parents’ Advisory Council will be sending a letter to the province and BC Teachers’ Federation over the teacher job action and requesting both sides get back to genuine negotiations immediately.
The Kootenay Lake DPAC held its annual general meeting on Thursday, Oct. 27 and teacher job action remains an important discussion item at DPAC meetings to ensure parents and students are receiving the best education possible/
However, the prolonged effect of this job action is starting to affect student learning, the council decided.
“The past two months of job action has been very difficult on families as conflicting information leaves parents not knowing what to expect next,” said DPAC chair Jenny Henri.
Some teachers are communicating with parents about their children, she said, even sending home “unofficial” report cards, while other parents have heard nothing from their child’s teacher.
“There is real concern that, as this job action continues, parents will be asked to organize more and more activities such as Christmas concerts,” she said.
She said it was difficult to understand why negotiations have transpired as they have these past several months. It gives the appearance neither side is interested in a timely resolution while our children’s education that hangs in the balance.
Henri continues in her position as DPAC chair, Kendra Mann moves into the vice-chair position with Susan Wilson remaining in her treasurer position. New to the DPAC executive this year is Sheri Walsh elected to the position of secretary.
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