Summer vacation came abruptly for elementary and middle school students in Langley on Thursday.
Teachers in Langley were on strike Friday, participated in the B.C.-wide BCTF scheduled study session on Monday and with hopes of a settlement now dashed from a weekend of negotiating, the B.C. Teachers Federation planned to be on a full-scale strike for the remainder of the school year, starting Tuesday (June 17).
The board of education’s last meeting of the year, also on Tuesday, has been changed to Langley City Hall, to respect the striking teachers.
Langley School District said students at the elementary and middle school levels aren’t likely going to receive a report card and if they do, a condensed version may be mailed to them.
The Labour Relations Board ruled and an Essential Service Order was sent to school districts Monday, indicating that final grades for Grade 12 students will be provided to administration.
A subsequent plan for this information to be provided to students and parents is now underway. The plans, once created, will be communicated to parents. The LRB is still addressing the remaining issue concerning the submission of marks for Grades 10 and 11 students.
The Essential Services Order indicates that provincial examinations for Grades 10-12 will proceed as scheduled.
District staff will be making arrangements to supervise provincial exams. The order indicates that students will be able to enter and exit the school property, as specific entrances will not be picketed. The school district is awaiting another Essential Services Order specific to support staff (including transportation). This information will be forwarded to families as it becomes available.
Teachers were rallying outside Langley MLA Mary Polak’s office on Monday afternoon, following their earlier study session. Picketing is expected outside all school district facilities on Tuesday. Support staff, who are members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees and recently agreed to a new contract, will be out of work while picketing takes place.