HISTORY

In March of 2006, the Burnaby School Board celebrated 100 years of public education in Burnaby. One hundred years prior, Burnaby residents elected their first Board of School Trustees.

In March of 1906, five individuals of Burnaby were elected to the area's first school board. Those individuals were: Donald Ross as Chairman; J.J. Mervin; Henry J. Whittaker; Mr. Thrussell and Thomas Sanderson. Sam Shepherd, an ex-teacher, was the Secretary.

At the time of the election of these five trustees, students living in Burnaby were attending four schools. Burnaby's population was 800 with approximately 60 students attending these four schools - East Burnaby School built in 1894; West Burnaby School built in 1896; Barnet School built in 1899; and Dundonald School built in 1905.

The trustees, teachers and staff of yesterday and today shared a common goal - to provide learners in Burnaby with the best public education possible in safe schools with opportunities to achieve their goals and become successful, contributing citizens of the community.

A few highlights from the school district’s humble beginnings. . .

In 1906, the budget to run four schools was approximately $3,500.
According to the minutes recorded for the business discussed in 1906 by the Board of Trustees, some of the issues included:
	A request to the city for an advance of $150 to pay teachers and caretakers salaries.
	A precautionary plan be established to vaccinate all Burnaby children at the Dundonald School against small pox after a Vancouver resident died of the illness. The doctor who attended to this Vancouver resident, also provided health care to a family in the area of the Dundonald school.

From day one through today and into tomorrow, public education in Burnaby has been supported, delivered and enriched by dedicated teachers, staff, administrators, parents and students. In celebrating its centennial, the district acknowledged the founding citizens of the community and the school district for establishing strong and deep-rooted values and high standards for public education, and recognized the teachers, parents and staff who today work together to ensure those strong and deep-rooted values and high standards for public education in Burnaby are maintained.