ABOUT BCSTA MOTION DATABASE

Overview

Motions play a central role in the work of the Association. Motions, which are discussed and voted on by members of the Association at Annual General Meetings, enable members to bring forward issues for collective discussion, decision-making and advocacy. In-depth instructions on how to properly complete a motion form can found in the BCSTA Motion Guide. Within the BCSTA Motion Guide you can also find the procedures around late motions, more information on emergent motions, and various other useful information for completing your motion accurately.

BCSTA motions are categorized as being extraordinary (AGM), substantive (AGM), or emergent (late).

AGM

The intention of an extraordinary motion is to change or add to BCSTA’s Bylaws or Foundational Statements within BCSTA’s Policy Book.

A substantive motion may be an action motion or a policy motion. The intention of an action-related motion is to call on BCSTA to influence the public education system by collectively advocating for change. The intention of a policy-related motion is to define a long-term objective, position or belief of the association.

 

Table of Types of BCSTA Motions

Category	Description	Example	Which BCSTA body can enact	Process to enact
Bylaws	The rules which govern the organization.	The Board of Directors shall hire the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO shall have the responsibility to carry out the day-to-day operations of the Association. (Bylaw 3)	BCSTA member boards at general meetings	Extraordinary motion: 2/3 weighted ballot vote
Foundational Statements	The core beliefs and values of the Association. Intended to guide future policy and action motions. Meant to be long-term/long standing.	The purpose of the British Columbia public school system is to enable all learners to develop their individual potential and to acquire knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will contribute to a healthy, democratic, pluralistic, and sustainable society. (4.1FS Purpose of Public Education)	BCSTA member boards at general meetings	Extraordinary motion: 2/3 ballot vote
Policy motions	Motions that support and expand Foundational Statements. Reflect context and guide the advocacy of the association.	BCSTA adopts as policy the following principle: BCSTA supports the use of a variety of instructional strategies for addressing student differences, including...	BCSTA member boards at general meetings	Substantive (ordinary) motion: simple majority
*Action motions	Define an action that the Association will take, usually on a specific issue. (*Note: Action motions make up most motions currently passed at AGM)	That BCSTA urge the Ministry of Education to review the transportation funding formula...	BCSTA member boards at general meetings	Substantive (ordinary) motion: simple majority

Motion Submission Deadlines

Please refer to the BCSTA Portal for current motion submission deadlines.

For any further inquiries please contact BCSTA directly.