Vancouver’s education system is facing serious challenges
Vancouver Public Schools (VPS) are under strain. In June 2025, the Vancouver Education Association (VEA) filed a grievance against VPS for conducting a reduction-in-force “in secret,” violating the collective bargaining agreement. This marks the second year of staffing cuts, leaving schools scrambling to maintain stability. Teachers and principals report larger class sizes, fewer support staff, and growing difficulty in meeting students’ academic and emotional needs.
Mental health is a top concern. Washington’s student-to-social worker ratio is a staggering 1:3,000—far from the recommended 1:250. A proposed bill (SB5126-HB1547) aimed to build a statewide mental health support network, but it stalled due to lack of funding. Without embedded counselors, mentoring programs, and trauma-informed care, students, especially those facing anxiety, poverty, or family instability—are left without critical support.
At the state level, new legislation (HB1296) now requires districts to prioritize student safety, nondiscrimination, and access to basic education. It also empowers the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to investigate noncompliance and impose penalties. This is a step toward accountability, but implementation depends on local capacity and political will.
Transportation is also evolving. SB5009 allows districts to use alternative vehicles,not just school buses, for student transport. This flexibility could benefit rural and underserved areas, but it requires new driver training rules and safety oversight by 2026.
Higher Education and Trade Schools
Higher education and trade schools face parallel challenges. Clark College, the region’s primary community college, continues to navigate enrollment declines, funding gaps, and workforce alignment. Students need clearer pathways from high school to careers, especially in healthcare, tech, and skilled trades. Yet many programs lack the staffing and equipment to scale. Trade schools report strong demand but limited capacity, while college affordability remains a barrier for first-generation and immigrant students.
For advocacy platforms like Humans To Action, these issues offer a chance to spotlight systemic gaps and push for reform. You could build a modular dashboard tracking:
