By CKPG Today

Education

Teachers and school support workers feeling ignored during SD57 budget process

Apr 17, 2025 | 1:05 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — The Prince George District Teachers’ Association (PGDTA) and CUPE Local 3742 feel they have been ignored in School District 57’s budget planning process.

PGDTA President Katherine Trepanier calls it “unfortunate” and “deeply disappointing.”

“It’s very unfortunate that the district has chosen to ignore input from the teachers and other professionals who spend the most time with out students and know best what our students and our schools need.”

In the context of what she calls “a severe teacher shortage and the urgent need to recruit and retain teachers,” the PGDTA’s priorities include:

• A joint mentorship program, given that the union-funded program will end this year;
• Increased supports for new teachers and uncertified teachers;
• In-service training for changes to reporting and district assessments;
• An increase to the quarter-time SOGI teacher leader position;
• Creation of an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion teacher leader position; and
• A return to weekly delivery of resources to schools from the District Learning Centre.

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CUPE 3742 adds that amid ongoing staffing shortages and the urgent need to support schools effectively, the following key areas must be addressed:

• Staff retention is critical for student success, ensuring consistent, experienced support staff who can provide stable, continuous care for students, especially those who need it most.
• Investing in before- and after-school programs is key to ensuring children have stable care and offers additional hours to the most precarious workers in the district.

At the last public meeting on April 8, the unions say that the Board released a revised draft budget for 2025-2026 which includes a projected $300,000-$600,000 in additional revenue.

“Rather than incorporating any of the PGDTA or CUPE priorities, the board is recommending that $450,000 of the additional funds be put towards increased district administration,” reads a union news release.

Trepanier said it’s particularly concerning to have employees’ suggestions dismissed at this time since the PGDTA and CUPE leaders are no longer permitted to speak at school board meetings.

The unions encourage concerned parents and community members to provide their budget feedback in a survey that closes on April 22.

The budget must be passed by the end of the school year. CKPG News has reached out to the SD57 Board of Education, but did not hear back by publication time.