The unions representing teachers and school support staff working for School District 57 say their voices have been left out of the district’s revised 2025–2026 budget, despite being invited to provide input during the consultation process.
The Prince George District Teachers' Association (PGDTA) and CUPE Local 3742 expressed frustration Thursday after none of their proposed priorities were reflected in the most recent version of the budget, released by the SD57 board on April 8.
“It’s very unfortunate that the district has chosen to ignore input from the teachers and other professionals who spend the most time with our students and know best what our students and our schools need,” said Katherine Trepanier, president of the PGDTA, in a statement released to media on Thursday, April 17.
CUPE Local 3742 president Paula Bass echoed that disappointment, emphasizing the importance of employee input, especially when it comes to supporting vulnerable students.
“These are the people who understand, better than anyone, what our schools truly need, especially when it comes to supporting our most vulnerable children,” said Bass.
Both unions had submitted a list of key priorities aimed at addressing critical staffing shortages and supporting student success.
For the PGDTA, this included a joint mentorship program, increased support for new and uncertified teachers, and additional leadership roles focused on inclusion and SOGI education. CUPE highlighted the importance of investing in before- and after-school care and improving staff retention to provide consistency for students.
Despite a projected $300,000 to $600,000 in additional revenue identified in the revised budget, the board is recommending that $450,000 of those funds go toward increased district administration, while none of the union recommendations were included.
Adding to their concerns, Trepanier noted, SD57 has recently barred union leaders from addressing school board meetings, a departure from a long-standing practice that allowed five-minute speaking times for employee representatives.
“This decision effectively silences the very people who work most closely with students and understand their needs firsthand,” she said.
Both Trepanier and Bass urged parents and community members to participate in the public consultation period, which runs until April 22. Feedback can be submitted through the district’s website: SD57 Budget Feedback.
“Now is the time to speak up,” Trepanier said.
“We hope parents will join us in advocating for the support our students and staff desperately need,” added Bass.
The union leaders emphasized that any surplus funding should be directed as close to the classroom as possible to ensure maximum benefit to students.
