A policy change by the School Act, and approved by the Abbotsford School District, will enable Indigenous reserves to decide which school students attend.
The school board approved the revised changes to Policy 18 - School Catchment Areas during their March 12 meeting.
In 2023 the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia brought forward Bill 40, which included changes to the School Act. Section 74.2 was enacted, which “allows a first nation, a treaty first nation or the Nisga’a Nation to designate a school of choice in a school district.” The Abbotsford School District abides by the School Act.
The changes were first presented in the Jan. 23 school board meeting. During that meeting it was said that this policy change would impact about 75 students in the district.
The proposed revised Policy 18 was posted to the district’s website for a consultation period. The final approval of the catchment change was carried 6-0.
The board also approved the district calendars for the 2024-25, 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years. The calendar presents school holidays, non-instructional days, planned early dismissals, days of class and total hours of instruction.
To read more about Policy 18 and the adopted school calendars visit sd34public.ic-board.com.
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