A new campaign in Surrey calls for more education funding to address severe cuts. Parents, teachers, and community leaders demand better support for students.

In Surrey, B.C., a growing coalition of parents and teachers has come together to demand an urgent increase in funding for local schools. In response to significant cuts affecting education services, this passionate group is raising their voices to ensure students receive the support they deserve.

The campaign was officially launched at the CUPE 728 office in Surrey, with backing from the Surrey Teachers Association (STA), the Surrey District Parents Advisory Council (DPAC), and the CUPE 728 union staff. This call for action seeks to address what the organizers call a “growing crisis” in the region’s public education system.

The Growing Crisis in Surrey’s Public Education System

Tammy Murphy, president of CUPE 728, stated, “This is a growing crisis in our public education system.” She pointed out that funding for education has failed to keep up with inflation, population growth, and the increasing needs of students. The campaign’s primary goal is to pressure the provincial government to increase funding for Surrey schools, where demands have reached critical levels due to a rapid rise in student numbers.

According to the Surrey Teachers Association, the district urgently requires $3.8 billion to meet the growing needs of students and keep up with rapid population growth.

Frustration Mounts Over Provincial Funding Gaps

The frustration is palpable as Lizanne Foster, president of the Surrey Teachers Association, sharply criticized B.C. Finance Minister Brenda Bailey. Foster questioned how the province plans to strengthen the economy without prioritizing investment in classrooms and the education of today’s students.

The B.C. Ministry of Education and Childcare responded with a statement, claiming that the 2025-2026 school year will see the highest level of funding in the province’s history—$8.2 billion in total, including special grants. This amount represents a significant increase over previous years. However, the ministry did not disclose the exact allocation for Surrey specifically.

Surrey’s Largest School District Faces Growing Challenges

Despite being the largest school district in the province, Surrey continues to grapple with a funding shortfall. Anne Whitmore, president of Surrey DPAC, acknowledged that while Surrey receives the largest share of the funding pot, the current formula is insufficient to meet the district’s needs.

Whitmore, also a parent, shared her emotional concern: “I’ve watched a child who I love deeply struggle because the supports she needs simply aren’t there,” she said, visibly moved. This stark reality is motivating families to push for more resources.

Reallocating Resources: Focus on Students, Not Administration

The campaign is calling for the Surrey district to prioritize student support over administrative expansion. Despite overcrowded classrooms and a decline in support staff, the district has been increasing its administration teams, a move that has sparked concern among parents and educators.

Gary Tymoschuk, chair of the Surrey school district, expressed frustration over the district’s financial struggles but emphasized that without additional provincial funding, there’s little that can be done. He did note, however, that Surrey is proud of its ability to keep administrative costs low in comparison to other districts.

Surrey Faces a Looming Budget Crisis

The situation is becoming increasingly dire. The Surrey school district is staring down a $16 million budget shortfall for the 2025-26 school year, which has already led to the announcement of cuts to 50 education assistant positions.

To further rally support, Surrey DPAC has organized a rally on May 16, with plans to travel to Victoria later in the month to present their case to provincial leaders. The message is clear: Surrey’s students deserve better, and the time to act is now.

Stay Tuned to Maple News Wire

For continued coverage of this important issue, and other updates on education and community initiatives, stay tuned to Maple News Wire. We are committed to bringing you the latest developments as this campaign evolves and grows.

Surrey mayor and firefighters donate $10K in supplies to schools facing paper shortages amid growing concerns over education funding.

In a city known for its rapid growth and rising population, a shortage of basic classroom supplies has revealed deeper cracks in the education system. On Tuesday, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke and the Surrey Fire Fighters Association donated $10,000 worth of essential paper products—including printer paper and paper towels—to local schools struggling to meet their most fundamental needs.

A Community Answers the Call

Following distressing reports from parents and teachers about shortages at schools like Ellendale Elementary, local leadership decided to intervene. During a visit to the Surrey Teachers’ Association (STA) office, the mayor and firefighters personally delivered $5,000 in printer paper and $5,000 in paper towels.

“These gifts are deeply appreciated, but the fact that they’re needed at all should sound alarm bells,” said Angela Marcakis, first vice-president of the STA.

Teachers Rationing Paper, Sharing Towels

The situation on the ground is stark. According to STA representatives, 46 schools have reported low or no paper. Teachers have resorted to rationing—each given only a single bundle for the entire school year. In some cases, classrooms have been forced to share one cloth towel among 20 to 30 students, a practice Marcakis called “unsafe and unacceptable.”

Locke: “Glad to Help, Sad It’s Needed”

Mayor Locke expressed mixed emotions. “I’m so glad we can do this, but I’m so sad that we have to,” she said. With parents and educators sounding the alarm, Locke collaborated with the firefighters’ charity to coordinate immediate relief.

“It felt like the right thing to do. This may seem small, but in the classroom, it’s a big challenge,” she noted. Locke emphasized the need for long-term solutions, particularly as Surrey’s population nears the one million mark.

From Paper to Laptops: Bridging More Gaps

The donation effort didn’t stop there. Locke and firefighters also delivered refurbished laptops to a local high school. The STA confirmed that five North Surrey schools would receive paper supplies as a priority, with extra inventory held at their office for broader distribution.

A Symptom of Larger Funding Issues

Both Locke and the STA placed blame squarely on provincial underfunding, stating that schools are being forced to rely on donations for basic necessities. “Funding should reflect the actual needs of our students,” said Marcakis. “We’re deeply grateful, but these shouldn’t be gaps that communities need to fill.”

Firefighters Association President Saverio Lattanzio echoed this sentiment: “We saw a need and so we helped. It’s about ensuring youth have what they need to succeed.”

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A roundup of recent crime news from Metro Vancouver: Son charged with murder, suspicious disappearance in Surrey, and machete-wielding robbery suspect arrested.

A tragic incident in East Vancouver has resulted in a murder charge for the son of the victim. On April 6, 49-year-old Benn Robert Arthur Harrison was fatally shot at his home near North Kootenay and Dundas streets. Vancouver police (VPD) arrested two suspects in their 20s shortly after the shooting, and now, the victim’s 23-year-old son, Tyler Harrison, has been charged with second-degree murder.

The investigation remains ongoing, though no further charges have been laid against the second individual arrested last month.

IHIT Takes Over Case of Suspicious Disappearance in Surrey

In Surrey, a suspicious disappearance has prompted the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) to take charge. Navdeep Dhaliwal, a 25-year-old man, was last seen at a residence in Surrey on April 30. His sudden disappearance, particularly after maintaining regular contact with friends and family, raised immediate concerns.

IHIT has been thoroughly investigating his last known locations, canvassing the neighborhood, and reaching out to his family, friends, and co-workers for more information. Sgt. Freda Fong from IHIT has urged the public to refrain from speculation while emphasizing the importance of any potential tips.

Anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-4448 or email ihatinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

Machete-Wielding Robbery Suspect Arrested in New Westminster

In another shocking crime, a man armed with a machete attempted to rob a restaurant in New Westminster on April 26. At around 7 p.m., restaurant staff were threatened by the armed suspect, who demanded money before fleeing the scene.

New Westminster police quickly responded to a 911 call, and the suspect was arrested within an hour in the area of 8th Street and 8th Avenue. The suspect now faces charges of robbery and assault with a weapon.

Sgt. Justine Thom commended the officers’ swift actions and expressed concern for the well-being of the restaurant staff. “Our thoughts are with the staff who experienced this frightening incident,” Thom said. The victim assistance unit is offering support to those affected by the traumatic event.

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For ongoing coverage of these and other significant events, stay tuned to Maple News Wire for the latest updates on crime and community news across Metro Vancouver.

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