b'June 2025The funding landscape in British Columbia has undergoneMinistry of Infrastructuresignificant changes over the past decade. In the 2001- A new development of particular interest to the K-12 2002 budget, public school districts received 15.49% of education system is the creation of the Ministry ofthe provincial budget, which has plummeted to just 7.97% Infrastructure, which will take on responsibilities previouslyin 2024-25. It is with this in mind that BCSTA focuses our managed across multiple ministries, including oversightefforts on proper funding of the K-12 education system. of capital projects and infrastructure planning. ThisThis focus will strengthen the BCSTAs voice bystructural change holds the potential to bring much-neededhighlighting, supporting and funding advocacy priorities.coordination and long-term vision to school capital fundingFocusing the work in this way refines the organizationsand deferred maintenance. There is cautious optimism thatadvocacy, making it more targeted and effective, whicha dedicated ministry could streamline processes, reducepays dividends to our trustees. delays in project approvals, and ensure that the physicallearning environments of studentsour future workers,Good Governance leaders, and caregiversare safe, accessible, and built tomeet evolving educational needs.The BCSTA is developing a new education program forIndigenous Educationtrustees, focusing on good governance, theory, and bestpractices. Twelve, 90-minute sessions are being developedto ensure trustees have all the skills required to meet the At BCSTA AGM 2025 membership renamed ourchallenging demands of being a school trustee. Indigenous Education Committee to the IndigenousCurrent CEO Trevor Davies and former CEO SuzanneEducation Advisory Council (IEAC) to avoid confusion withHoffman have been developing the trustee leadershipthe ministry-mandated Indigenous Education Council thatprogram and were pleased to pilot the first session witheach district must convene. BCSTAs IEAC is developing newthe Langley Board of Education. This initiative aims tolearning guides to help boards understand and implementenhance the leadership skills of trustees, ensuring they areprocesses and policies that will help boards on theirequipped to navigate the complexities of the educationreconciliation journey.system effectively. Upcoming OpportunitiesLooking ahead, the BCSTA is committed to leveraging itscollective voice alongside partner organizations to advocatefor public education effectively. This coming year presentsboth challenges and opportunities, and BCSTA is poised tocontinue its essential work in advocacy and governance.ConclusionThe BCSTA remains dedicated to ensuring that every student in British Columbia has access to high-qualityeducation. Through a steadfast commitment to advocacyand good governance in public education, the BCSTA willcontinue to navigate the complexities of the educationPolitical Landscape landscape and champion the needs of our students andThe BC provincial election in September 2024 significantlycommunities, thereby strengthening public education andaltered the political landscape. The BC Conservatives and creating opportunities for success across the province.BC NDP were nearly tied in polling, leading to a competitiveelection. In response, BCSTA launched the EducationMatters advocacy plan, focusing on crucial issues suchas staff recruitment and retention, capital funding, andinclusive education. This initiative elevated public educationin political discussions, ensuring that voters prioritizededucation when casting their ballots.bcsta.org48'