B.C. schools face cuts to libraries, lunch programs
Justine Hunter/Rod Mickleburgh
Victoria —Globe and Mail
Sep. 11, 2009

Funds for hungry school kids, classroom computers and schoolyard jungle gyms are being cut this year in B.C., even as the province's education minister maintained yesterday the province's public school system is “well-funded.”…

Later in the day, gaming officials quietly unveiled cuts to a program that provides counselling and school meals to the province's most vulnerable students. The CommunityLINK fund will receive $48.6-million this year, down from $50.5-million last year….

But Ann Whiteaker, president of the B.C. Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils, said the cuts in gaming grants will undermine education.

Last year, PACs received $16-million in gaming money. Most of that was provided on a formula of $20 per student, which has now been reduced to $10 per student.

“The impact will be felt by students,” Ms. Whiteaker said. She noted the money originally provided for extracurricular programs now pays for everyday essentials like computer labs….

NDP Leader Carole James yesterday toured the school to bring attention to the potential impact of the cuts. ….“When you look after your own house, if you don't fix the leaking roof, the entire roof is going to have to be fixed,” she said. “It's actually going to cost you more in the end.”

Greater Victoria school trustee Michael McEvoy said the government's claim that the school boards can use their reserves is wrong.

“The money is committed for really important projects that make our schools safe and healthy for our kids. Anything you hear about surpluses is illusory,” he said….