Vancouver school board posts letter to parents about tentative deal
With news circulating about the B.C. Teachers’ Federation and the B.C. Public School Employers’ Association reaching a tentative agreement to end the B.C. teachers’ strike, many students and parents are no doubt wondering when the school year will finally begin.
School districts don't appear to have the answer—yet. And of course, teachers still must vote to approve the tentative deal.
The Vancouver school board has issued the following letter:
Dear parents/guardians,
Good morning. As many of you will have heard by now, I am writing to confirm that we have received word early this morning of a tentative agreement between the BCTF and the provincial government. With the assistance of mediator Vince Ready, the two sides were able to agree on a framework for a negotiated settlement. Both sides are meeting again today to finalize the settlement, which will then be put to a ratification vote.
It has been a long and difficult dispute for everyone involved, and we understand that you may have many questions about the exact date and procedures concerning school opening. We have been working to ensure as smooth opening as possible while school has not been in session. While there are still many organizational tasks that require teacher participation, we hope to be opening our buildings as soon as possible to welcome back your children. We will be working to plan and communicate opening procedures and grade specific information to you over the next few days.
We are so pleased to have finally reached this stage in the process and eagerly look forward to welcoming back students and teachers. It is my hope that the labour impasse is resolved quickly and that our school district can soon return to normal operations and our staff and students can return to teaching and learning.We thank you for your patience during the past few weeks of this ongoing labour dispute.
Sincerely,
Dr. Steve Cardwell
Superintendent of Schools
Meanwhile, the Burnaby school district has posted this update on its website:
A tentative agreement between the BCTF and BCPSEA has been reached. Both sides will be meeting again today to finalize the settlement. In the interim, pickets are still up at many sites.
We expect information on school opening dates and procedures soon and we will be providing these when they are finalized. While there are still many organizational tasks that require teacher participation, we will be opening our schools as soon as possible.
We look forward to welcoming back student,staff and teachers and to beginning the 2014-15 school year. Thank you for your patience during these difficult months.
Stay tuned.
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