I am attending the BCSTA and BCPSEA academy in Richmond this weekend. The academy is geared for new trustees, but it’s a great refresher for returning trustees as well.

The opening plenary last night was led by Davis Campbell of University of California, and he continued his plenary this morning on the importance of governance. You can read the highlights on my Twitter feed.

Our Education Minister, the Honourable George Abbott, spoke to us this morning on the importance of the stakeholder groups around you, as well as the funding context and pressures facing trustees and districts.

Minister Abbott is a very engaging speaker and clearly cares about kids. He opened up the floor after his presentation for questions from the floor. The questions and comments ranged from philosophical points regarding supporting students in their accountability to funding to policy direction on class size limits.

The remaining program promises to be just as engaging with workshops from BC Public School Employers Association and time tomorrow for new trustees to meet with their trustee mentors.

Thank you to the combined staffs and boards of BCSTA and BCPSEA for the terrific program.