Whistler’s Answers: March 27, 1986Whistler’s Answers: March 27, 1986
In the 1980s the Whistler Question began posing a question to three to six people and publishing their responses under “Whistler’s Answers” (not to be confused with the Whistler Answer). Each week, we’ll be sharing one question and the answers given back in 1986. Please note, all names/answers/occupations/neighbourhoods represent information given to the Question at the time of publishing and do not necessarily reflect the person today.
Some context for this week’s question: With many school districts facing budget deficits, the SoCred provincial government (which had previously cut back funding to school boards multiple times beginning in 1983) decided in 1986 to let school boards raise extra money through residential taxation. At the time, BC had the second lowest per-pupil spending in Canada and the lowest provincial share of government spending for elementary and secondary schools. The Howe Sound School District (today Sea to Sky District #48) faced increased costs and a growing population and in March 1986 was considering raising the money needed to maintain the current levels of service through residential taxation.
Question: What do you think of the provincial government’s funding for schools?
Priscilla Owen – Clerk – West Side Road
I definitely think that there should be more funding for schools whether it goes toward hiring more teachers or for more services. I think that Whistler, as a growing community, is going to need more teachers and more facilities. They’re cutting back too much in those areas.
Florence Petersen – Retired – West Side Road
Having had to take early retirement from teaching, I feel the restraint that started three years ago was inappropriate and politically motivated. I won’t say we didn’t need some belt tightening. This year they’re going to give back some money but again, it’s politically motivated. They’re not thinking of the needs and the good of the students.
Al Barbour – Administrative Manager – Nordic Estates
I don’t think they’re taking education as seriously as they should. They’ve got too many kids in each classroom. There was probably a lot of fat to cut but I think they’ve gone a little too far.