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.
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