The Charter for Public Education Network

On behalf of the Charter for Public Education Network Society (CPEN), I want to express our full support for this rally. The Charter for Public Education calls for government to be responsible for fully funding all aspects of a quality education. Currently, government is failing its responsibilities to public education in an abysmal fashion. The issue is not lack of money! Government is able to find money for building casinos that have a negative impact on the provincial economy and society. Government is able to find money for an expensive retractable roof on a stadium, which is a luxury item. Government has not found adequate funds for public education, which makes an enormous contribution to the future of the economy and society of British Columbia. Current policies are foolish and cruel. Moreover, the government's conception of political accountability is ridiculous. Citizens expect their government to meet their needs and their priorities. All over this province, school trustees have been trying to reconcile budgets to meet the needs of their students and communities with the utterly inadequate resources provided by government. That is an impossible task.

CPEN supports school boards presenting budgets based on the needs of the students and the community. Then, as trustees, parents, educators and citizens, we need to fight to get those student needs budgets funded by government.

The very first promise in the Charter is this, "As a community we promise to prepare learners for a socially responsible life in a free and democratic society, to participate in a world which each generation will shape and build." This is the core principle of a democratic society. Citizens do not serve their government. Governments serve their citizens. If students in our public schools are going to learn how to act ethically and proactively for the common good, they need to see their parents, neighbours, teachers and trustees standing up for them and for the democracy we cherish.

Please express my gratitude for those who join the rally and march in defense of public education. That is a wonderful example of proactive citizenship. Best wishes for the rally!

Regards,

Mike Zlotnik, President, CPEN