Dear Editor:
Classes are scheduled to start on Sept. 2, which leaves one month to settle the contract dispute between the B.C. Liberal government and the teachers. Everyone involved in the school system needs to have enough time to access the schools and to prepare for the new school year. Working parents need time to make plans for childcare, as required.
A compromise is required. The government wants to balance its books. However, year after year, costs that used to be covered by the province (such as heating the buildings) have been downloaded to the school districts, which also have to balance their books, resulting in cuts to support staff and programs. It is increasingly difficult to teach when there are so many children who need individualized programs in so-called regular classes.
Politicians need to hear from "ordinary" people who voted them into power. The message is simple: Get back to the table and be ready to compromise in a fair way.
We need a signed contract now.
Jean Redpath
North Vancouver
