Educators, administrators, parents, staff and board chair call on candidates to advocate for Richmond schools

Richmond-Bridgeport independent candidate Charlie Smith supports four proposals to enhance education and student safety, including two new schools in the city centre

Photo by aktechkpp2019/Pixabay

As a first-time candidate for public office, I’ve received several surveys from organizations. In addition, some have taken the time to let me know about important issues in Richmond.

As the independent candidate in Richmond-Bridgeport, I am sharing a letter below from Heather Larson, who chairs the Richmond School Board. She highlights four vital issues of concern for those who, like myself, strongly support public education.

Public education is the backbone of our democracy. In the words of Malcolm X, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

I’m so fond of that quote that I put it at the top of the education section of an arts-oriented website that I edit. I will share here that there are many educators in my extended family. My mother was a teacher and my father was a teacher who later became a mathematics professor. If elected, I will champion public education and advocate for all of the measures outlined in the letter below.

Heather Larson chairs the Richmond School Board.

Letter calls on candidates to advocate for public schools

October 8, 2024

Dear Charlie Smith,

As Chair of the Richmond Board of Education (the Board), I am writing on behalf of the Board to bring to your attention four key areas of advocacy that are essential for enhancing the learning and working conditions of our students and staff. With the 2024 provincial election approaching, we respectfully request that you support and prioritize the needs of our public education system throughout your campaign, recognizing the important role it plays in our community's future.

Capital Funding for Two New City Centre Schools

Richmond’s city centre is experiencing significant population growth, largely driven by newly approved housing developments and an influx of young families. As a result, the district is projected to face a continued shortfall of seats and increasing enrolment numbers. Without immediate funding, the district will face significant challenges in accommodating students in city centre. This situation will directly impact the quality of education and the overall student experience. Providing adequate infrastructure now will ensure that students have access to a conducive learning environment, which is essential for their academic success and well-being.

We respectfully request your advocacy in securing provincial funding for two new schools in Richmond’s city centre to address this urgent need.

Capital Funding for Seismic Mitigation Program

The Richmond School District is facing an urgent need for capital funding to address our seismic mitigation program. 22 schools in our district, including 18 elementary schools and four secondary schools, have been identified with a high seismic risk rating. This means that over 10,000 student seats are in dire need of seismic mitigation measures. The safety and well-being of our students and staff rely on timely funding to address this critical issue.

We respectfully request your advocacy in securing provincial funding for the remediation of the remaining 22 schools in our district that have been identified with a high seismic risk rating.

Recruitment and Retention of Staff

Recruiting and retaining staff is a significant challenge for the Richmond School District. Our unionized CUPE workforce—including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and information technology roles—faces significant competition from other agencies offering higher pay scales. The district is exploring partnerships with post-secondary institutions to create apprenticeship opportunities that will attract and retain future employees within these sectors. Additionally, the expansion of teacher training programs is essential, particularly for specializations requiring additional training, such as English language learning, learning resource, and school counselling positions. Offering these programs within our district, in collaboration with university partners, would help remove barriers related to finances, time, and location.

We respectfully request your advocacy to support the development of apprenticeship opportunities and the expansion of teacher training programs. These efforts are essential to ensure a well-supported workforce that can continue to provide quality education for every student.

Inclusive Education, Mental Health and Student Success

Inclusive education is fundamental to ensuring that every learner, regardless of background or ability, has the opportunity to succeed. This includes providing opportunities for academic success, supporting social and emotional well-being, and creating culturally responsive learning environments. Additionally, feedback from our students indicates a growing need for mental health supports, underlining the importance of access to these resources for all K-12 students. We also recognize the need for focused support for Indigenous learners, children and youth in care, and students with disabilities and diverse abilities, as well as English Language Learners (ELL) given the significant number of ELL in our district.

Conclusion

Based on the identified priorities and the pressing needs of our growing community, we respectfully request your advocacy and support in four critical areas: securing capital funding for two new schools in Richmond’s city centre, addressing seismic risks through the remediation of 22 schools, improving recruitment and retention of staff, and enhancing inclusive education and mental health resources for our students. These investments are crucial to ensuring a safe, supportive, and thriving educational environment for all learners and staff in our district. Your commitment to these priorities will not only support the educational success and well-being of our students but also strengthen the foundation of our community's future.