Province launches audit, full review of Vancouver School Board

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The battle over public education in Vancouver is coming to a head with the province. Today, Education Minister Mike Bernier announced the government would conduct a forensic audit and full review of the Vancouver School Board after members voted down an offer from the government to sell Kingsgate Mall in order to help with a $21.8-million budget shortfall.

Related article: VSB doesn’t expect provincial audit team will find acceptable way to balance budget

“Parents and students in Vancouver need certainty that every available dollar is going to services to students and not into political agendas and empty seats,” says Bernier. “A full, in-depth forensic audit will look at both the financial situation and board operations at the Vancouver School Board to ensure the close to half a billion dollars taxpayers invest in the district is going to support students.”

Bernier says every school board in the province, except the VSB, has passed a balanced budget. “What it shows me again is that political games are being played, which I don’t want to be a part of. I think the parents and the kids deserve better, not only in Vancouver but right around the province.”

The minister isn’t firing the board today, but says he still has the option once the audit is completed in a few months.

“There are lots of opportunities, lots of options that I have as the minister in a situation like this. Obviously, it’s something as a minister you hope you never have to deal with. Fifty-nine of 60 school districts balanced their budgets, but again, it’s Vancouver that seems to continue on this rollercoaster of playing games. I would say, hopefully, this audit will identify where some of those funds are being spent [and] how it should be spent better.”

LISTEN: NEWS 1130’s Shannon Brennan discusses the province’s decision to launch an audit and review of the Vancouver School Board

The board says it’s not backing down and stands by its decision. “What we’re doing is calling on the minister to provide us with additional funding. And what I said to the minister is in a province like British Columbia, which has the best economy in Canada, with a surplus fund and a prosperity fund, why is it that we have the second lowest per people funding in Canada? Rather than being the second lowest, we should be the second best or at least the best,” says VSB Chair Mike Lombardi.

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Roberton is weighing in on the budget debate and he’s backing the board.

“Over the past seven years I have seen them serve with dedication and passion, while taking a pragmatic approach that has used shrinking resources to help build a supportive school system for our kids. That’s why when this Vancouver School Board says that another $21.4 million in funding cuts is too deep to support the learning needs of Vancouver’s children and youth — the most complex of all the districts in the province — the only response for me is how we can help to support them,” reads a written statement from Robertson.

The province required trustees to submit a balanced budget by no later than June 30th.

Back in April, the Vancouver School Board voted against a budget that included more than $20 million worth of cuts.