Government is providing nearly $20 million to help B.C. school districts extend the life of their facilities and school-based assets, Education Minister Mike Bernier announced today while speaking at the BC School Superintendents Association’s Summer Leadership Academy in Kelowna.

Education Minister Peter Fassbender is taking B.C.’s world-class education system on the road as he embarks on a five-day mission to Asia until June 4.

All districts and unions representing education support staff that signed on under the provincial framework agreement negotiated this summer now have ratified agreements in place.

In recognition of the importance of a strong, co-governed public education system, Education Minister Peter Fassbender and the BC School Trustees Association (BCSTA) have recommitted to a co-operative and co-ordinated partnership.

Improvements to upfront, non-repayable grants will support low-income students enrolling in post-secondary adult upgrading courses, including English as a Second Language (ESL).

Premier Christy Clark welcomed 122 students from around the province to the BC Lions' Skills for Life Summit, and invited them to try their hands at the skills needed for many of tomorrow's in-demand jobs.

Nine more school districts and more than 4,000 support staff workers have recently ratified new agreements under the B.C. government’s 2014 Economic Stability Mandate.