Will parents be pressured to raise funds?
By Wendy Rachwalski
Surrey Leader
February 09, 2010

…. I read your article in the Jan. 29 edition of the paper regarding the $15-million deficit for the Surrey School District. As a parent of two children, this is a great concern. Supt. Mike McKay says that cuts are needed, but our concern is where will the cuts come from? As it is, parents need to raise money to support schools. Does this mean more pressure will be put on parents to raise more funds?

My children will be going to a new school that will be opening in Cloverdale. We have been told our school will open with all we need – books, computers, desks, balls and gym equipment – everything except of course a playground.

Now my concern is will we still open with all that is needed, or will our funding be cut?

Previously, school Parent Advisory Councils received funds from the government from gaming funds. This year those funds were cut back. We have been told next year we may not receive any funds at all.

This deficit is going to be horrible for our children. How can the provincial government force schools to do full-day kindergarten without giving them sufficient funding? How can the government take away our casino grants for kids? The government wants our kids to be more active yet parents need to raise the money to pay for a playground. Why?