Dear Parents and Guardians:
It is with regret that we share the BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) and the BC Public School Employers’ Association (BCPSEA) were unable to reach a resolution to the current labour dispute.
As a result of this impasse to reaching a settlement, some or all schools in the Coast Mountains School District may be behind picket lines. In this scenario, a withdrawal of service will again impact the school district’s ability to provide educational service for students. While schools will remain open, we will not be able to offer our regular instruction as we anticipate that unionized staff will not cross the picket lines.
We therefore again request that parents and guardians not send their children to school and seek alternate childcare arrangements. The safety of our students is our highest priority. Should any students arrive at school while picket lines are in place, our school administrators will ensure that they are supervised until they can be safely returned to the care of a parent or guardian. For information on how you can access the $40 per day per child support, visit http://bcparentinfo.ca/parent-support-resources/.
For the latest on this ongoing dispute, parents and guardians can learn more by accessing information at these sources:
BC School Trustees Association (BCSTA) – http://www.bcsta.org
BC Public School Employers’ Association (BCPSEA) – http://www.bcpsea.bc.ca
BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) – http://www.bctf.ca
BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils – http://bccpac.bc.ca
Again, we are hopeful that this dispute can be resolved in the very near future. This is a frustrating and disappointing time for everyone involved.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to consult our website at www.cmsd.bc.ca and follow local media for any changes that may be announced over the coming days.
Sincerely,
Katherine McIntosh
Superintendent of Schools
