For Immediate Release
May 2, 2024
VANCOUVER, BC – Yesterday, 2024-25 Vancouver School Board budget passed third reading and will now be submitted to the Provincial Ministry of Education.
Highlights include new staff and resources to support digital literacy and well-being, $130K in funding for music and arts programs, and $250K in new funding for in-classroom technology. The approved budget delivers on several key commitments made by ABC Vancouver in the 2022 municipal elections.
“This budget is the result of months of hard work and engagement with staff, students, educators, and parents,” said ABC Trustee and Board Chair Victoria Jung. “We’re proud to be delivering on so many important investments into Vancouver schools.”
The new funding allocations for digital literacy and wellbeing, and music/fine arts came as a result of recent motions from ABC Trustees Preeti Faridkot and Josh Zhang respectively.
“When students have access to music and fine arts programs, it unlocks countless new possibilities for their future,” said Trustee Faridkot. “I’m thrilled this budget will mean that more Vancouver children will experience drama, fine arts, music, and dance – allowing them to discover new talents and explore their creativity.”
“By putting resources into digital literacy, we’re equipping students with the critical skills they need to thrive in a constantly changing world,” said Trustee Josh Zhang. “These practical and efficient budget decisions will lay a strong groundwork towards setting up students for a successful future.”
The passing of the (2024-2025) VSB budget builds on recent successes of the ABC-led School Board, most notably, the securing of $165M in Provincial funding for the construction of the new Olympic Village elementary school and major (expansion) to Henry Hudson Elementary.
“Over the last year, we’ve seen what can be achieved when we work collaboratively,” said ABC Trustee Alfred Chien. “As we look forward, ABC is going to continue to deliver a world-class learning environment for generations of Vancouver students to come.”
ABC Vancouver is the largest political party in Vancouver, holding 15 out of 27 local elected (positions). ABC was formed in 2022 and is led by Mayor Ken Sim.
– 30 –
MEDIA CONTACT:
Christy Thompson
Executive Director, ABC Vancouver