The BC Teachers Federation (BCTF) is calling for a mediator to help settle a contract agreement with BC Public Schools Employers’ Association (BCPSEA).
One week into the teachers strike across BC, famed mediator Vince Ready has already declined the request to assist due to time constraints.
Negotiations have hit a roadblock with classroom size and composition as a sticking point with the BCTF and the BC Ministry of Education. The BCPSEA says the costs of the BCTF demands are too high.
As the strike continues, Kootenay Lake district Grade 10, 11 and 12 students can expect to receive their report cards.
“The Labour Relations Board has ruled that marks for students in grades 10, 11 and 12 must be provided,” said Kootenay Lake superintendent Jeff Jones. “Our local has been providing those marks and they will be reported to students.”
As striking teachers follow the process outlined by the BCTF, Nelson District Teachers Association president Paul Boscariol said the NDTA has yet to determine how the Grade 10 and 11 marks are going to be handled. “Each circumstance is different in each school and then there are the distance and online courses.”
Jones said parents should know that report cards will be sent to them but they will be later than usual; they shouldn’t expect them until mid-July.
For students in Grades K-9, a record of attendance and a statement of promotion will be provided.
He added: “Our board of education joins the voice of the British Columbia School Trustees Association in a call for an end to this dispute.”
Over 200 people joined teachers and supporters of School District 8 in a rally “To support Public Education” in front of Nelson city hall on Monday.