Parents and students likely won't know whether or not schools in the Sea to Sky District will be open until the very last minute, according to a letter from local superintendent Lisa McCullough.
A decision on school openings is expected on Friday, Aug. 29, to allow both parties in the dispute the maximum amount of time to reach negotiated settlement, the letter said.
"If there is a settlement within the next week, our expectation is that all schools in the Sea to Sky School District will open on Tuesday, September 2, 2014 as ordinarily scheduled," McCullough said in the letter.
In the absence of an agreement, the letter outlined two scenarios: In one, teachers return to work while continuing job action at a stage lower than a full walk out.
In the other, the picketing continues and no schools in the district will be open.
"Administrators will remain on site at each school in the event of any emergencies and to support any students who do arrive on site," McCullough said.
"It is most unfortunate that there has not been a resolution to this dispute and it remains our collective hope that the two parties adjust their positions and reach a negotiated settlement before schools are due to open."
For continued updates on the situation, stay tuned to the school district website at www.sd48seatosky.org, the BCTF website at www.bctf.ca, the BCPSEA website at www.bcpsea.bc.ca and www.piquenewsmagazine.com.
