Election Questionnaire
Why did you decide to run in the 2010 school board election?
I have decided to run for re – election in the Silver Heights Booth Ward because I wanted to continue working as a team member with other trustees offering the best quality education for our children. I have spent nearly half my life as an educator seeing the benefits and opportunities an education can give to our youth. I value and believe that our public education system provides equal access to all, and gives everyone opportunities to succeed in our society. As a contributing team member, I feel that my background and experiences can add to the strength of our board.
What experience will you bring to complement your role as school trustee?
I will bring many experiences to compliment my role as a school trustee. I have been an educator for over 20 years. I have been a classroom teacher, curriculum consultant, and school trustee. I have three daughters in the public school system. Presently, I have a daughter in elementary, a daughter in middle school, and another daughter in high school; so I feel that I have a good understanding of the situation in our classrooms. I am involved with our community and speak with many other parents, educators and community members, so I feel I can be a strong advocate for our community.
What are the major issues you would like to stand for and why did you choose these issues?
I believe in a strong local school board. A local school board can provide the best experience for students that reflect the unique characteristics of our community. As school board members, we live in the community and understand what is important to our parents, children and other community members. A strong local school board can provide for these local choices. One such example in St. James – Assiniboia is that 70% of our students from grades k – 12 participate in the performing arts. With this high interest, our local school board can provide resources and programs to address this need. These resources and programs may not be available otherwise. Other programs such as French Immersion, Early Childhood education, and Special Needs education although not uniquely found in St. James – Assiniboia can have unique characteristics that reflect our local character.
Is there anything in particular you would like to change in your school division? In your ward?
Over the years, there has been a shift towards driving our children to school instead of having them walk to school. With the fear for their safety, this has been a sign of the times. Along with this increase in vehicle traffic around our schools during student pick up and drop off, the risk of accidents to our children is increasing. To help lower this risk of accidents, I would first like to see a program or way for our students to safety walk to school once again. If students must be driven to school, I would like to see safer drop offs and pick up locations. This will not only provide for a safer environment for our children, but will help ease the congestion of traffic around our schools. Our school board has already begun to address this issue, but needs to get more resources to address this issue quicker. I don’t know if more or better drop off/pickup loops are the answer to this situation, but it needs the partnership of not only the community but the municipal and provincial governments as well to address this problem.
Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?
I believe that our schools must not only prepare our children to succeed in our society but must also be able to compete globally. Our country is changing quickly. One of the major changes is our shift away from the manufacturing sector to a more service based economy. If we are to grow and prosper as a country, we must continue to be innovators. I believe that our schools must enhance our student’s experiences in the areas of math, science and technology. In the early 1990s, I can recall hearing that by 2010, about 95% of the skills needed in the work force will require math, science and technology skills and attitudes. I find it difficult to think of many jobs that do not require these skills and attitudes. With our need to address the problems associated with our environment, health and future energy needs, we as a society must not only concentrate on literacy, but must become scientifically literate as well. To compete and prosper on a global stage, we must be innovators. This goal of becoming innovators must start at our local school system.