PRESIDENT Gordon Swan of the British Columbia School Trustees Association and Education Minister Rob Fleming last week signed an updated memorandum of understanding between BCSTA and the Ministry of Education as part of BCSTA’s academy program. The MOU acts as an agreement on collaboration, cooperation and communication between both organizations.
“I’m honoured to sign the 2018 MOU with the B.C. School Trustees Association, which signifies our dedication to supporting students across B.C.,” said Fleming. “With a new focus on Indigenous education and improving student outcomes, I look forward to working with boards of education to make sure our students have the same opportunities for success no matter where they live.”
The first memorandum of understanding between BCSTA and the Ministry of Education was signed almost 20 years ago by past-president Gordon Comeau and his board of directors who saw a need to better define BCSTA’s relationship with B.C.’s government.
Since that time, the wording of the MOU has been updated to be reflective of both organizations’ current priorities. The MOU is intended to be a ‘living document’ that, by mutual agreement, can be updated over time to reflect new priorities and emerging realities.
“It is of the highest importance that we reconfirm the relationship between BCSTA and the Ministry of Education through the signing of a new and updated memorandum of understanding,” said Swan. “This agreement defines the working relationship between our Association and the Ministry as we work together to continue to improve B.C.’s K-12 public education system and put students first. I would also like to thank our membership for their contributions leading to the development of this updated MOU.”
The BCSTA said it is appreciative of the provincial government’s continued support of public education in B.C. The signing of this document will further strengthen BCSTA’s relationship with the Ministry of Education in the pursuit of improving learning outcomes for all of B.C.’s students.