The following is a message to parents/guardians, students and employees in Abbotsford School District from Superintendent Kevin Godden
August 29, 2014
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The purpose of this letter is to provide you with an update on the current labour dispute and about the potential for schools to open on Tuesday, September 2nd.
On August 25th I wrote to parents saying that if there was any new information we would share it as soon as possible. We are encouraged by the fact that mediator Vince Ready is now involved and is monitoring the negotiations. We are further pleased to hear that representatives of BCPSEA and the BCTF will meet with Mr. Ready today and into the weekend as necessary to secure a deal. We, like you, wait for any signs of progress from these meetings.
As stated in my last letter, if there is a last minute agreement, we will do our best to open schools as soon as possible. We have been informed by BCPSEA that if there is a deal, it is likely that the process and timing for school opening will be part of the final conversations with the BCTF. The fluidity of this situation requires all of us to follow the media over the weekend for new developments in this situation. Should there be a settlement, we will immediately inform parents of the opening day procedures and protocols here on our district website.
If we face a continuation of the strike on September 2, our schools will not be open for classroom instruction. Childcare facilities located on school district premises will be open next week, and parents will be allowed to cross picket lines to escort their children to pre-schools and StrongStarts. We advise parents to contact the service provider directly to confirm their hours of operation.
We wish to reassure our community that our students are our highest responsibility. Like you, we are hopeful for a resolution to this dispute so we may continue to provide the great education to which we have been accustomed. We have much to be proud of in this district. In a BC public education system that is one of the best in the world, Abbotsford School District ranks as one of the best. This is in large part because of the dedicated teachers, support staff and leaders in our schools. We look forward to working with your children in the near future.
Sincerely,
Kevin Godden
Superintendent of Schools/CEO