My Priorities
Increased Provincial Ministry of Education funding:
The Central Okanagan is growing rapidly and our educational infrastructure has not kept pace. The capital and maintenance funding from the provincial Ministry is far short of what we desperately need and we must find new ways to press them to adequately support our student population.
Each year the number of students in our District grows by the size of an elementary or middle school. We are forced to take money out of our classrooms to buy more and more portables.
Some schools, especially Rutland Middle School and École Glenmore Elementary, are long overdue for replacement.
The Board of Education and school district have been advocating for them for many years, and our maintenance staff have gone to great lengths to keep these schools safe and accessible, but we need the money from the government to replace them.
We need new schools that are large enough for future enrolment. The Ministry must change its policy on funding schools based on current numbers.
I will find new ways to pressure the Ministry for funding, and build a partnership of elected officials, parents, and community members to strengthen our case.
Everyone safe and included:
All students need to feel safe and included at school.
Every student, including LGBTQ+ and racialized or ethnic minorities, should be able to see themselves represented in educational material and feel safe and included at school. It is also an important part of everyone’s education to learn about the diversity of people, cultures, and families in their school and community.
With adequate curriculum resources like SOGI-123 to choose from, I trust teachers and librarians to make the best (and age-appropriate) choices for their students.
Disabled students should feel welcome and included in all spaces at school.
Up-to-date education and training for students, staff and administration must continue to ensure a culture of consent that is free from bullying and harassment.
I will advocate strongly for safe and inclusive schools, and to improve and update training where necessary.
Parental involvement:
Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) are one of the best ways for parents and caregivers to connect with school administration and the district regularly in order have their views heard.
Unfortunately, many school PACs are currently struggling to get parents engaged. I will work to promote PACs as an avenue for families to provide their input and advice in an effective and constructive way.
Support our staff:
Educators and support staff are the foundation of our entire school system and its success depends on them. But they need to be properly supported to do this. I believe the Board of Education can do this by:
Obtaining more funding from the Ministry to free up our operational budget for classroom supports
Bargaining fairly with the unions representing District employees, with an eye to increasing recruitment and retention;
Trusting our educational staff to make professional decisions with the resources they have available for the benefit of students. They know their classrooms and classes best.
Life-long learners, critical thinkers, civic-minded citizens:
I support the new BC curriculum and its emphasis on guiding students to become life-long learners and well-rounded citizens, prepared for diverse careers and opportunities in post-secondary training and education in the 21st century.
In this era of fake news and disinformation, it is vital that students learn to be critical and discerning thinkers.
I support and promote opportunities and programs to encourage more women and minorities to study STEM subjects and pursue careers in those areas.
Indigenization:
As most of us who live here are immigrants from somewhere else, I am happy to see all the work that is done in this district on reconciliation and authentic cross-cultural exchange. I will continue to actively support:
Our strong and long-standing collaboration with the local Indigenous community, particularly Westbank First Nation.
Indigenizing both curriculum and learning spaces to teach all students about the local Syilx culture and other Indigenous cultures.
Supports and programs to promote and ensure the success of all Indigenous students.
