Vancouver school district loses 10 international students during teachers strike
Vancouver school trustee Mike Lombardi says his district has the largest international education program of its kind in Canada.
In an interview with the Georgia Straight today at the school board office, he said there are more than 1,500 students from 23 countries in Vancouver schools.
But the program's reputation could suffer if the teachers strike continues well into the school year.
"So far, our international students have stayed with us," Lombardi said. "Only 10 have pulled out of 1,500, which we're delighted with. But as time goes on it [the strike] will affect our budget and it will affect our operations."
That's because according to Lombardi, international students bring $15 million per year to the district.
If fewer students were enrolled, it would mean less revenue.
"We have to have a balanced budget," Lombardi pointed out. "If many disappeared, it means we have to go back and find that money in the budget somewhere."
Vancouver board of education chair Patti Bacchus told the Straight at the board office that many international students have already gone through orientation.
"But they're in the same position as our local students," she added. "They're all waiting and seeing."
She pointed out that the district's contracts offer no refunds to international students if they're kept out of class because of a labour dispute.
"However if this were to drag on and they weren't getting what they paid for, we'd certainly have to take a look at that as a board. But legally and in the contract that we have, we're not required to refund."
Bacchus said that depending on talks between teachers and the employer's bargaining agent, district superintendent Steve Cardwell will decide as late as Monday (September 1) evening whether Vancouver schools will open on Tuesday (September 2).
"So we're asking parents to keep an eye on our website at www.vsb.bc.ca/ and I'm sure they'll hear it through the media," Bacchus stated. "If we get news of an agreement or tentative agreement—and assurance that the pickets won't be there—we expect schools to open on Tuesday morning. Usually, it's a one-hour day for most students."
However, she acknowledged a "strong possibility" that pickets will remain up on Tuesday, which is why parents should make alternative arrangements.
"We will have minimal staff on-site so if students do arrive and there are pickets, we will be contacting parents and asking them to pick up kids who require supervision," she said.
Comments
8 Comments
SO?
Aug 29, 2014 at 7:57pm
10 less students clogging the over crowded class rooms.
One point of view
Aug 30, 2014 at 6:42am
Given higher tuition fees for foreign students and funding cutbacks; what has developed now is that schools are giving PREFERENCE to foreign students because they need the money. Canadians are getting the short end of the stick here.
10 spaces left vacant by "International Students" is 10 places that Canadians can have- which is better for CANADA.
Save Vancouver
Aug 30, 2014 at 12:32pm
I guess it's fortunate for the money hungry VSB that astronaut parents are so out of touch they have no idea what kind of education awaits their offspring, when they ship their kids over here with just a chequebook and a west side house for company.
Another point of view
Aug 30, 2014 at 1:56pm
That makes no sense ... Public schools don't turn kids away because there is no space. I think you are thinking of private schools.
dk
Aug 30, 2014 at 8:09pm
So what? The public school system is suppose to be set up for B.C. students and not students from off shore. At least this way there will be room for 10 more B.C. students.
Crisis, what crisis?
Aug 31, 2014 at 5:08am
So even with a high tuition, a terrible contract and the threat of a strike less, than 1% of international students have pulled out. Yeah what a terrible education system we have here. The BCTF are disgusting and so are its supporters.
RUK
Sep 2, 2014 at 9:56am
So we're saying that at least some good is coming out of this impasse?
International students
Sep 7, 2014 at 7:13am
International students do not take seats away from domestic students. They help fund the schools. Some of the classes are offered because International student open up the classes by signing up for classes. They bring diversity to our schools for our children.