Dying of Thirst in a Sea of Plenty

Education should be facing a time a glorious communion, with ATA, school boards and government all sharing together in helping young minds to grow. Instead, it appears that teenagers have taken over and are playing a game of Chicken.

Let me explain what I mean. Money. Yes, Manna. It always works down to money. The government, in its infinite wisdom, has decided that School Boards should use all that half BILLION in General Surpluses to pay for all those wonderful programs they offer. Of course, the School Boards feel they have those surpluses for a reason, or maybe they want to keep the shareholders happy, because rather than spend the money they just cut programs and services until the budget matches again. Finally, we know teachers are at fault because we took a pay raise and now no one can afford to pay us.

Fine and dandy. The Minister tells School Boards to spend their surpluses but refuses to enforce his request, stating that if he made the decisions for school boards then why have them at all. Why indeed. The School Boards state that they are indeed going to be running deficits, and need to use their savings for the projects they were earmarked for. Teachers are just hoping to be able to squeeze into the few classrooms left, and have new teachers to replace them when 30% or so of them retire in the next few years (someone has to pay for our pension). Everyone has some line to feed. Unfortunately, what is being fed is not edible by our students.

When teenagers play chicken, at least they head for each other. When School Boards and Government play chicken, the students get run over. New teachers find other work; after all they are highly trained professionals. Old teachers retire early; who needs this s@#t. I guarantee no MLA was has been overly affected by these proceedings. School Boards can just un-volunteer themselves. Students have no such escape.

Teachers not replaced equal classrooms without teachers. Programs cut equal student needs not met. Kids suffer when this game of Chicken is played. Isn't it time that the players quit playing this game? Sort it out, people!