Calculation
$8.9M
paid to Juristes Power Law in 2024–25 (SOFI). ~7.7% of operating expenses — a scale comparison.[1]
Created by parents of CSF students
Tens of millions in documented legal spending.Operating-budget legal costs need scrutiny.
We support expanding French-language education in B.C. — but continued major litigation must not come at the expense of today’s students.
Today’s students and schools should come first…
Scale comparison: in 2024–25, legal payments (~$8.9M) were nearly 28% of teacher salaries — roughly $1 in legal fees for every $4 paid to teachers. This is not a claim that teacher salaries were cut by that amount.
See the legal case and the costs →Stock and illustrative images and courtroom footage on this site do not depict CSF students, schools, or proceedings unless explicitly stated.
Enrolment is falling at existing schools — which, in our view, strengthens the case for a public cost-benefit comparison of further litigation.
Fact: the district is losing students each year (e.g. Victor-Brodeur −32%). Our view: that strengthens the case for publicly comparing expected gains from further litigation against current student-service priorities. We are not claiming legal spending caused the decline.
See enrolment trends →“Mismanagement of financial resources, notably the continued funding of costly legal proceedings at the expense of essential student services and staff support.”
SEPF — letter to the Minister of Education, 8 October 2025
A $3.4M deficit due by June 2028 on top of growing legal bills means less for today’s students.
Under the School Act, school boards generally may not run an accumulated operating deficit without ministerial approval. On 13 March 2026 the Ministry approved CSF’s ~$3.4M deficit on condition it is eliminated by 30 June 2028, with quarterly monitoring. How does CSF clear that hole if legal spending stays open-ended?
What we are asking for
Our ask
Prioritize mediation and good-faith negotiation with the Province and VSB to resolve the live appeals — on sites, timelines, and costs — instead of another costly courtroom round paid from the operating budget. If CSF still chooses to litigate, fund it from outside operating dollars.
Put those dollars back into today’s students: instruction, student services, and existing schools.
Hold a public online briefing — with Juristes Power Law participating — on the case history, where the money went, why the fight continues, and what success looks like now.
Publish a clear plan to retire the ministry-approved $3.4M deficit by 2028 — a deficit boards are not normally allowed to carry.
About this project
CSF Students First is an independent site created by parents of CSF students. It is not affiliated with CSF, the Ministry, SEPF, CUPE, etc.
FAQ
Are you against French schools or section 23?
No. We support expanding access to French education in B.C. We oppose funding open-ended litigation from student operating funds.
What exactly are you asking for?
Prioritize mediation and negotiation with the Province and VSB; put the money back into classrooms; a public online briefing with Juristes Power; and a clear plan to retire the deficit by 2028. If CSF continues in court, fund it outside the operating budget.
Isn’t the appeal necessary?
Major rights have already been recognized. Returns are diminishing while bills rise — and the Ministry requires deficit retirement by 2028. Mediation and negotiation remain open paths.
Who runs this site?
Concerned parents of CSF students — not the Board, not the Ministry.