School District 43 has one of the highest graduation rates in the province but is at the bottom of B.C. in per-pupil funding.
And class composition figures show that in dozens of classes, there are seven or more kids needing English language instruction or special help for education needs, both taxing on resources, teachers and students.
How do you square the circle? By one standard — money and classroom composition — SD43 is not doing so well. By other standards — such as innovative classroom instruction, social and emotional teaching and use of technology — it's at the top.
Maybe it's time to look deeper. Are all schools equal when it comes to programs and equipment? Is the technology fairly shared? Are schools in less prosperous neighbourhoods struggling while wealthier areas do well? Do boys struggle compared to girls? Do aboriginal students achieve their potential?
As SD43 prepares for its April budget discussions, a more thorough analysis of strengths and challenges might be helpful. Sure, there is no new money for next year, and perhaps there will be less because fewer students are expected to enrol.
But how is that money being shared and what can SD43 do better are questions that need to be answered for this year, and the future.
