Schools Will Not Open Tuesday

(The following is a message to parents/guardians, students and employees in Abbotsford School District from Superintendent Kevin Godden.)

Dear Parents/Guardians:

We regret to inform you that the BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) and the BC Public School Employers’ Association (BCPSEA) were unsuccessful this weekend in reaching a negotiated settlement to end the current labour dispute. While we all remain optimistic that this will occur in the near future, our schools will not be open as normal on Tuesday, September 2. We anticipate that teachers will not report to work, and that our schools will be behind picket lines.This is disappointing news for our staff, and especially our students and families.

All Abbotsford schools will be closed for instruction tomorrow. School district buses will not operate. Although principals and vice-principals will be in their schools, they are unable to provide students with instruction or supervision. We encourage families to make alternate arrangements for their children as necessary. School district childcares and StrongStarts will be opened this coming week, so please contact these sites directly to confirm their hours of operation.

We recognize the pressure that this situation puts on families. Nevertheless, we must remain optimistic that we will soon be in a position to welcome our students into their classrooms. We have been informed that mediator Vince Ready will continue to monitor the situation and will be talking with the parties on a daily basis. Again, we encourage you to regularly check this school district webpage (www.sd34.bc.ca/district/labour-action-updates), for any new developments.

Thank you for your understanding.

Kevin Godden,
Superintendent of Schools
Abbotsford School District

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