FES
Surrey Students Deserve Better
Surrey Students Deserve Better is a community-led campaign calling on the BC government to fully fund public education in Surrey. Despite being one of the fastest-growing school districts in the province, Surrey continues to face chronic underfunding—resulting in overcrowded classrooms, aging infrastructure, program cuts, and a growing reliance on portable classrooms.
The campaign unites teachers, education workers, families, and students who believe every child deserves access to a safe, well-supported, and enriching learning environment.
We are raising our voices to say:
👉 Stop the cuts. Fund our future. Surrey students deserve better.
What the Petition Says: Surrey School Funding Shortfall
Change.org is a global platform where individuals and communities can start and sign petitions to raise awareness and advocate for change on important social issues. In recent years, it has become a popular tool for parents, students, and educators in British Columbia to voice concerns about public education.
Over the past three years, many petitions have been launched on Change.org by Surrey residents to highlight the growing problems caused by chronic underfunding in the school district. Community members have found themselves with few options other than public petitions.
Among all school districts in British Columbia, Surrey has had the highest number of education-related petitions addressing funding shortages. This reflects not only the urgency of the situation but also the depth of frustration among families and staff impacted by these issues.
Help the Students of Semiahmoo Secondary IB Geography & Biology HL
A petition was created on April 9, 2025, appealing to reinstate IB Geography HL and maintain Biology HL for Grade 11 students, warning that mid-program changes harm academic planning and university readiness.
Prevent Surrey School District from Cutting Grade 7 Band
A petition was created on February 26, 2025, protesting cuts to Grade 7 Band and Fine Arts Helping Teacher roles, emphasizing the value of music education.
To Surrey School District: Oppose Permanent Hybrid Learning for High School Students
A petition was created on February 5, 2025, urging the Surrey School District (SD36) to cancel plans for permanent hybrid learning in high schools, citing risks to education quality, equity, student well-being, and family logistics.
Say NO to the Extended Day Model in Surrey Secondary Schools
A petition was created on June 19, 2025, opposing the Extended Day Model in Surrey secondary schools, with parents and students concerned about staggered schedules and longer school days.
Continue strong start
A petition was created on April 25, 2024, advocating to preserve the StrongStart early learning program (for ages 0–5) amid funding pressures.
Against Extended School Hours
A petition was created on April 12, 2024, opposing the Extended School Hours Model (adding a 5th instructional block), citing disruption to families, staff, and students.
Reestablish School Bus Services in Surrey, BC, Canada
A petition was created on September 8, 2024, calling for the reinstatement of school bus routes to underserved areas to ensure safe, equitable access to education.
Demand for Action: Improve Infrastructure & Play Areas at Surrey School District
A petition was created on September 13, 2024, demanding upgrades to school infrastructure and playgrounds, particularly at Walnut Road Elementary.
Expedite portables delivery & find long-term school expansion solution for Surrey schools
A petition was created on September 7, 2023, calling for faster delivery of portable classrooms and long-term infrastructure planning to relieve overcrowding.
Renovate the bathrooms at David Brankin Elementary- our children's basic needs must be met
A petition was created on May 1, 2023, requesting the renovation of unsanitary bathrooms to meet children’s basic hygiene and dignity needs at David Brankin Elementary.
