The provincial government has increased education funding, but it has obviously not increased it enough, MLA Bill Belsey said after listening to parents, teachers and school district staff at a meeting in Sandspit last week (March 8).
Mr. Belsey told a gym full of concerned constituents that the Liberals are spending $150-million more on education this year than last year. But clearly, he said, this is not solving the problems faced by rural school districts.
"We have increased funding but not enough, and not in the right places," he said.
The number of special needs students in classrooms is a problem in Prince Rupert as well as on the islands, he said. Declining enrollment is another challenge.
Mr. Belsey spent 40 minutes talking to A.L. Mathers principal Sharlene Scofield before the meeting, and told the Sandspit residents that their school was achieving great things despite the challenges.
And he urged islanders to phone his office to discuss specific problems in this school district.
"By all means, call my office, let me know, ask me questions," he said, just before he left the meeting to catch the 9 pm Kwuna sailing.