Dear Editor:
Re: “Flash of intelligence” for trustees, Letters to the editor, Burnaby NOW, Nov. 21.
As trustees of the Burnaby board of education, we feel compelled to write a response this letter. As a school district that values respect, diversity and inclusion, we were shocked and dismayed at the tone and suggestions made. As a result, we believe it important to provide accurate facts.
The Burnaby school district has a total enrolment of over 24,000 school-age students and 12,000 adult learners. The continued reference that the Burnaby school district is not enrolling “7,000 local children” is simply inaccurate and deliberately misleading. It should be noted that the 7,000 school-age student figure that is quoted includes over 2,000 students who have already graduated. The facts are that the Burnaby school district has done an exemplary job of attracting and retaining students while most other metro-area school districts have experienced enrolment decline. Year after year, Burnaby schools have seen a significant net gain of students from other districts.
What draws so many families to our public schools? Burnaby schools offer programs, services and opportunities second to none. Our students, teachers and schools win awards locally, provincially, nationally and internationally. Burnaby has sustained enrolment and continues to attract and retain students by developing creative and innovative programs, including fine arts programs, sports academies, specialty programs and one of the strongest advanced placement programs in Canada.Every year, students and families continue to choose and attend Burnaby’s public schools.
This includes students both locally and abroad. Burnaby’s exemplary reputation is far-reaching and, as a result, we have one of the finest international education programs in the province. What began as a modest program in 2002 has now grown to one of the most sought after programs worldwide. The program yields over $14 million in revenue for the school district.
And, most importantly, the thriving program adds to the rich diversity of Burnaby’s classrooms and creates a global experience for all students. For us, it means that every child is provided with an opportunity to learn, reach their potential and discover new possibilities.
Thank you for your interest in public education.
Baljinder Narang and trustees, Burnaby board of education
