Registration is now open for an upcoming Lunch & Learn webinar on Public Schools Operating Grants. The Education Finance Branch and the Financial Management Committee will host this session on Tuesday, February 10, from 12:00 – 1:00 pm (PST). Contact EDUC.FundingandAllocationUnit@gov.bc.ca for more information or if you have questions to submit in advance.
Friday February 6, 2026
Deputy Minister of Education and Child Care
250-880-3451
Kaye.Krishna@gov.bc.ca
I hope that you have had a great start to the month and the new semester for some of you. The Legislature sits again starting next week, with the Throne Speech on Thursday, Feb. 12.
I look forward to providing you with some key ministry updates at the upcoming All Superintendents’ Calls on Thursday, February 12 and Wednesday, February 18. The second call will largely be focused on a review of the Provincial budget, which will be released on February 17, and the discussion will be supported by executives from both ECC and Infrastructure.
Please see important information below, including an upcoming webinar on the funding formula, allocations for 2025-26 district/authority scholarships, and a new program to support teacher education in rural and remote communities. You’ll also see a news release supporting Black History Month. I hope you are all finding ways to honour, celebrate and reflect on the experiences and accomplishments of Black Canadians in British Columbia and across the country throughout February.
Enjoy your weekend.
Kaye
For Action
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2025-26 District/Authority Scholarship Allocations
Allocations for the 2025-26 District/Authority scholarships are now available online. Districts are asked to submit their list of selected students to the ministry by June 30. Awarding guidelines support flexible, local decision making to help districts use their full allocation, recognize a broad range of student accomplishments, and support students as they transition to post-secondary study. Please ensure selected students are on track to meet eligibility requirements by August 31, and are aware that the award is conditional on those requirements being met on time.
- The most frequently misreported data that affects students’ scholarship eligibility are citizenship/permanent residency. Inaccurate reporting (including blank entries) will disqualify students.
- Make certain that eligible students don’t miss out on scholarships (including the BC Achievement) by ensuring they are being reported to the ministry with a value of ‘C’ and confirming that information on the student’s Transcript Verification Report.
- Encourage all Grade 12 students to register for a Student Transcripts Service account where confirmation notices for all four awards within the Provincial Scholarships Program will be posted this fall.
For questions, contact scholarships@gov.bc.ca.
For Information
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VIU Launches New Program to Support Teacher Education in Rural and Remote Communities
Vancouver Island University is introducing a new dispersed teacher education program (elementary level) this August. Supported by the Ministry of Education and Child Care as part of the K–12 Workforce Plan, this part-time program is designed for individuals working in schools in rural and remote communities who want to become certified teachers. Most of the program can be taken online and students can complete their practicums in their local school district. Applications are open until April 10. Additional details and info session opportunities are available.
