I learned about this story last week, making it old news in this business, but Id be remiss, given the coverage this story initially generated, if I didnt mention it. Stepan Vdovine sent a letter to the B.C. Public School Employers Association dated Feb. 28 apologizing for his characterization of NPA trustee Ken Denike in a previous letter to the association.
Vdovine, a former Maple Ridge trustee and Vision Vancouver supporter, wrote the employers association in December concerning Denikes appearance in controversial videos discussing matters dealing with anti-homophobia programs.
Vdovines apology letter indicated Denike explained the circumstances in which the videos were made and through his lawyer had a video removed from an American anti-gay marriage website.
Vdovines letter to the B.C.PSEA concluded: In light of these circumstances, and now having the benefit of additional information about the two referenced videos, I do not think that my characterization of Dr. Denikes actions as being homophobic mongering and as attacks on individuals fighting discrimination and seeking a more tolerant society were appropriate. Nor do I think it was appropriate to state that [i]t is clear that trustee Denike does not share values of inclusion and tolerance. I wish to withdraw those statements, and apologize to Dr. Denike.
Denike, who, along with NPA trustee Sophia Woo was censured by the VSB for comments regarding public misrepresentation of Vancouver Board of Education anti-homophobia policy, sent cease and desist letters to Vision and COPE trustees for alleged defamatory comments.
Bacchus told the Courier in a March 7 email that she stands by the censure and that she hadnt responded to the cease and desist letter.
On a budget
The provincial government announced its preliminary operating grants for school districts across B.C. Monday.
Vancouvers estimated grant drops from $455,907,862 to $448,882,905 based on a projected drop in enrolment for 2012/13. Enrolment is expected to fall from 57,387 to 56,387, according to government figures.
The grant amount will be updated when student enrolment numbers are confirmed at the end of September. In a press release, the education ministry noted the provincial government is providing $10.7 million to help school districts introduce elements of the new B.C. Education Plan in 2012/13 and that another $11.2 million will be directed towards school districts where the numbers of vulnerable students has increased in the next school year.
The Vancouver School Board is assessing the information to calculate its affect on the districts budget. The VSB is anticipating an $8 million to $8.5 million shortfall for the 2012/13 school year, although that number could drop if the trustees cut the school year by up to 10 school days again next year and if they adopt any of the proposals recommended in the report by PricewaterhouseCoopers, which was presented last week.
Board chair Patti Bacchus said its too early to comment on the impact of the provincial government announcement on the Vancouver School Board. Im still waiting for the finance department to do an analysis, she told the Courier.
Open house
LEcole Bilingue elementary is hosting an open house about its seismic upgrade plans from 3 to 7 p.m., March 29 at 1166 West 14th Ave. School board staff, City of Vancouver staff and the project architect will be on hand to provide an overview of the project and concepts being considered.
Twitter: @Naoibh
