Fraser-Cascade schools are behind picket lines again this week as the ongoing dispute between the B.C. Teachers' Federation and the province continues.
An attempt by mediator Vince Ready to end the deadlocked contract talks ended in failure over the weekend. After he left the bargaining table on Saturday, Ready felt the two sides were still too far apart for mediation to begin.
"I just see no basis at this point for meaningful negotiations or mediation, so I've just declared an impasse," he said. "I just don't see an agreement here at this point."
Superintendent Karen Nelson issued a letter to parents on Monday regarding the closure of schools this week.
"I realize that this news is very disappointing as this is the time of year when students, families and school district staff eagerly anticipate and prepare for the beginning of a new school year," she said in the letter. "While principals and vice-principals will be in our schools they will be unable to provide instruction or appropriate supervision. We respectfully request that parents/guardians do not send their children to school, and make alternate childcare arrangements. We remain optimistic that we will soon be in a position to share positive news about the upcoming school year and the educational opportunities awaiting your children."
Further updates on the teachers' strike will be posted to the district website, www.sd78.bc.ca, as well as the new government website www.bcparentinfo.ca