April 2, 2005
The BC Liberal government is launching a $10-million program to help make schools centres for community activities and services, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today at the annual general meeting of the B.C. School Trustees’ Association.
“As a result of shifting demographics and population patterns there are fewer students in our schools, leaving many of these valuable facilities under-utilized,” said Campbell. “We need to make better use of our school spaces so they benefit B.C. communities. The School Community Connections program will help school boards and local governments revitalize schools as centres for community learning and activity.”
The B.C. School Trustees Association (BCSTA) and the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) will co-manage the School Community Connections program, in consultation with the Ministry of Education. The program fulfils a commitment made in the speech from the throne.
“This program builds on the innovative work that is already being done in a number of districts across the province,” said Education Minister Tom Christensen. “Schools are strengthening their ties with the community by making space available for services like day care and seniors’ centres. These partnerships will help create better educated, more active and more connected communities.”
Community partners will be asked to develop expressions of interest to use schools for activities and services. The BCSTA and UBCM will develop criteria to evaluate applications, and successful applicants will receive funds to help develop and implement their plans.
“BCSTA is pleased to have the opportunity to work with UBCM to strengthen the links between schools and their communities,” said BCSTA president Penny Tees. “School boards and local government working together can benefit all members in our communities.”
The BCSTA and UBCM will accept expressions of interest in the fall, and the first group of successful applicants will be notified early next year. Funding for School Community Connections is from the Ministry of Education’s 2004-05 budget.
“This is a great opportunity for local government to work with school trustees in developing new programs specifically designed to meet the needs of their communities,” said UBCM president Aaron Dinwoodie. “We are looking forward to working with BCSTA and the ministry to enhance community programming and ensure fuller use of valuable public assets.”
Since 2000-01, the Province has increased funding to B.C. public schools by nearly $460 million: $305 million for district operating grants and $153 million for special, one-time grants. During the same period, enrolment has declined by more than 30,000 students. The $150 million funding increase for the coming school year is the largest in more than a decade, and will help school districts continue to focus on improving student achievement.
