Hi, everyone – it’s been a busy week in the sector and here at the ministry as we get ready for the start of school next week. Like always, a new school year brings with it a number of important reporting requirements – please see below for what is due to the ministry in the next few weeks. Below you will also find information on the next iteration of the Framework in Action Speaker Series, available funding to support safe school mentorship programs, and an invitation to a new data community of practice. In addition, we are excited to share the links to a short video posted on social media from students supporting the new Indigenous-focused graduation requirement.
Have a great long weekend!
Due September 30
A reminder to school districts that 2023/24 capital project requests for Minor Capital Programs (BUS, CNCP, PEP, SEP) are due on or before September 30 using the web-based Capital Asset Planning System (CAPS). Refer to the Capital Plan Instructions for eligibility criteria and submission requirements. Please contact Ravnit.Aujla@gov.bc.ca or Nathan.Whipp@gov.bc.ca if you have any questions.
Due September 30
School districts are requested to update the school-level ventilation system overview reports on their websites by September 30 with any new ventilation improvements and measures that have been implemented. If necessary, the Ventilation System Overview Template (.docx) can be found in the Publication & Resources section of the Capital Planning web page. Please contact Geoff.Croshaw@gov.bc.ca if you have any questions.
In partnership with the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, grants up to $10,500 will be available to school districts in the 2022/23 school year to support new or existing mentorship programs for youth who may be associated with gangs or are at-risk of entering gang lifestyle. Applications are open until October 5. Please direct any inquiries to the Performance Evaluation and Compliance Team: SOC.hub@gov.bc.ca.
Due October 15
Pursuant to section 80 (Employers’ List) of the Teachers Act, employers are required to make a report to the Director of Certification on all B.C. certificate holders who were employed during the past academic year (July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022). Please ensure your report is submitted through the Employers’ Area by October 15. If you have any questions, please email the Teacher Regulation Branch at trb.employers@gov.bc.ca or call 236-455-1872.
Following up on last week’s announcement regarding the new Indigenous-focused graduation requirement, the Ministry has released a short video showcasing B.C. students’ perspectives on the importance of this next step toward reconciliation. The video is available on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. For more information on the new graduation requirement, contact GradRequirements@gov.bc.ca.
An updated question and answers document regarding the new Student and Family Affordability Fund is now available. Please share with staff as appropriate. Email FFAB.ECC@gov.bc.ca if you have any questions.
With the potential for an increased number of undocumented or refugee school age students arriving in B.C.’s schools ahead of the September 1701 count, school district staff are reminded in this information document of the Operating Grant Eligibility directives and the K–12-Funding Refugee Policy. Directives to verify B.C. residency are not intended to exclude displaced students and their families who are B.C. residents and may have unresolved federal immigration status. Please contact EDUC.Compliance@gov.bc.ca with any questions.
As part of our Framework in Action Learning Series, the Framework Team will host virtual sessions with Dr. Sara Florence Davidson and Len Pierre this September and early November. Please see the Framework in Action poster for dates, times, registration links, and overviews of the session topics.
In partnership with Shane Safir and Dr. Jamila Dugan, authors of Street Data: A Next-Generation Model for Equity, Pedagogy, and School Transformation, the Ministry of Education and Child Care is excited to offer a data and evidence community of practice for B.C. school district leaders. Please email educ.framework@gov.bc.ca to apply.
