The Charter for Public Education Network

There is a thirst in communities across this province for leadership that believes in the importance of a strong public education system. I first became wholly aware of this desire when I had the privilege of hearing from students, teachers, parents, trustees, principals, librarians, councillors, superintendents and members of communities large and small as a panel member working on the Charter for Public Education.

During the public hearing process which led to the development of the Charter, people from communities around BC shared their frustrations over the flaws of the system that were challenging their districts. Some had fears of school closures, others concern for safety, class sizes, special needs and all shared a desire for something more meaningful than rankings by test scores. The flip side to this anguish was a fierce protective instinct to preserve what works within the system, and the things they loved about their schools in particular, that they didn't want to lose.

So many people believe in the ideal for what public education should be it was felt to be "a sacred trust" and that we as a community "promise a public education system which provides learners with knowledge and wisdom, protects and nurtures their natural joy of learning, encourages them to become persons of character, strength and integrity, infuses them with hope and with spirit, and guides them to resolute and thoughtful action".

Critics of the Charter call this stuff 'mom and apple pie' and 'totally unachievable', but as a parent why should I settle for less from a system that shapes our society as a whole, and which we collectively pay for with our taxes? Must we pay tuition for our children to be deserving of these goals in education?

Personally, I remain committed to the principles laid out in the Charter as a Board member of the Charter for Public Education Network because I feel they express a vision of all the diverse people who shared their thoughts, concerns and hopes with our panel years ago. It continues to be my experience five years later that the Charter reflects a consensus on what people would have from their system ...if only it was possible.

Well, it is possible. What we have been lacking is political will and leadership to make education the priority it needs to be. At the local level, we need the strongest leadership possible to facilitate dialogue on district needs, and vocal advocates ready to tell those who control the money for our system (the provincial Ministry of Education) that we need to start funding what matters. Not just tests and accountability measures that rank students as mere numbers in a system that is more about consumerism than about helping students get on their path to success in their world.

Now celebrating five years since its publication, the Charter continues to be a document for every member of the public to use as a tool for dialogue and advocacy. Recently people in the Cowichan Valley stood up to their trustees and used the Charter principles to make it clear that closure was not an option for any of their schools. When up to 4 of their schools were on the chopping block communities grew tired from their fight against each other, and rallied together to protect the needs of all of their students.

The Charter is for all people who believe in the potential for public education and can be useful for engaging people in discussion on broader education issues. Whichever principle you agree or disagree with the most can be the basis of your questions to potential leaders in your area and could help raise expectations of those we elect to our governments.

For example, a couple of questions based on the Charter principles that you might want to ask your school board candidates before the November 15th Municipal elections:

What is one key issue you believe needs to be addressed in our district, and how would you work with all education stakeholders, including students, parents and teachers to work towards collaborative solutions?

Would you be willing to put forward a budget to the ministry which reflects the true needs of learners in our district?

"Everyone has the right to a free, quality public education". Be sure your votes this November are for trustees who believe in this statement as much as you do.