Learning, Listening and Preparing to Serve

Since deciding to run for School Trustee, I’ve been learning as much as I can about the role, our school district, and the opportunities and challenges facing our students and educators.

I recently attended a Committee of the Whole meeting and spent time reading through the qathet School District Strategic Plan and other district information. The more I learn, the more I understand just how much responsibility comes with being a trustee.

One area I continue to think about is how can we can better support our students with diverse learning needs. I want to better understand where the gaps are and what supports are currently available.

I also want to understand what may be preventing our district from attracting and retaining the teachers, Education Assistants, counsellors and other professionals that our students need.

I believe listening matters. Parents, caregivers, students, educators, support staff and community members all bring different experiences and perspectives. A trustee should be willing to hear them, ask questions, look carefully at the information available, and bring those perspectives to the board table.

I certainly don't expect to have every answer. What I can do is continue to learn, show up prepared, ask questions and keep students at the centre of the decisions we make.

That's what I'm working on now — and it's what I would continue to do if elected.