Election Questionnaire
Why did you decide to run in the 2010 school board election?
I have served 6 years as a School Trustee and originally ran in a bi-election as the amalgamated Board was dysfunctional and my experience on many Boards and in education, led me to believe that I could bring a sense of purpose to the Board and a re-focusing on children rather than on personal and political agendas.
What experience will you bring to complement your role as school trustee?
I have personally been involved in education for 47 years ( as a teacher, coach, vice-principal, principal (6 different schools), assistant superintendent, trainer of school leaders on a provincial basis and as a University Faculty of Education instructor.
What are the major issues you would like to stand for and why did you choose these issues?
The major issues include 1. Meeting the needs of the changing demographics of public schools (immigrant learners, aboriginal learners, special needs students and gifted children (in academics, athletics, and the arts). 2. Changing demographics of school populations with housing developments in some areas and decreased student enrolment in others. 3. Funding for public schools must see greater contributions by the province to reduce the focus on property taxes as a method of funding public schools.
Is there anything in particular you would like to change in your school division? In your ward?
The existing board has been very responsible with a focus on due diligence on all matters (personnel and financial ) . The Board needs to continue its focus on literacy and numeracy and data on these two areas provided by diagnostic instruments and teacher assessment.
Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?
I will continue to work for children and youth as I have for the past 47 years and will continue to be a supporter of PUBLIC EDUCATION as one of the key ingredients in our Canadian democratic system.