Dismay over cuts to public education announced in February's provincial budget coloured the conversation throughout School District 57's meeting Tuesday night.
The board unanimously passed a motion to send a strongly-worded letter asking that government reverse the directive that districts cut $54-million in administration and other related services over two years.
"I strongly endorse this motion," said chairperson Tony Cable.
In the first year boards are asked to cut $29 million, and a further $25 million the following school year.
"I don't see any easy way to find more savings," said Cable, adding that though the directive is focused on administration, it will affect the total system.
"Somehow it always seems to affect the children in the classroom," he said. "We need additional funding, not cuts.
"As a new board we were trying to troubleshoot ways of lobbying for additional funding as we are finding various areas we need to support," Cable said.
At last month's meeting, the board reported that it is showing a $1 million deficit. Last year, it took $3.2 million from the surplus to balance the budget.
Brenda Hooker took issue with Premier Christy Clark's comments characterizing cuts to administrative costs as "low-hanging fruit."
"I think it was a particularly offensive reference," said Hooker, and that she sees a very different picture, using the same tree analogy.
"We've eliminated leaves which are positions and branches which are programs," said Hooker, who is vice-chair. "I think along with a letter we should send a fruit basket which will be rotten by the time it gets there."
She said the situation in classrooms is "dire" and noted that use of the surplus was to ensure the bare minimum of programs.
Former chairperson Sharel Warrington said its already difficult to encourage innovative programs with scarce resources.
"This will damage that," Warrington said. "I hope the letter has very strong language in it. This isn't just a request to remove it. It has to be stronger than that."
Early in the meeting, partner groups also objected to the cuts.
Tina Cousins, president of the Prince George and District Teachers Association, said she was very concerned about any more cuts to public education.
"I know our budgeting process does not involve any low hanging fruit. It was picked a long time ago," she said. "It really shows the disrespect from our government that they don't know what we do here. We've done due diligence in this district."
Prince George District Parent Advisory Council chair Sarah Holland echoed Cousins' comments.
"That does feel quite insulting," she said. "Parents are not calling for more cuts in funding."
