Current job/career: Retired Educator
Why do you live in Revelstoke?
My husband, Alan Mason, and I moved to Revelstoke in 1995 for the lifestyle. We love the beauty and serenity of the mountains and the seemingly endless outdoor recreational opportunities it affords. However, once we settled in, we realized that this is a safe, caring, friendly and vibrant community and a wonderful place to raise a family. Its K-12 educational system, arts and cultural scene, and social services network are exceptional for a community this size. I feel fortune to live here and to have had my two children recently graduate from this school system.
Why are you running to be a SD19 board trustee?
I have worked as an advocate for quality, accessible and inclusive education throughout my career as a teacher, administrator and curriculum designer. Now that I have retired, it seemed natural to continue with this role and dedicate my time, energy, skills and passion to the role of School Trustee. There are few things as important as educating our children and youth, for they represent our future. I would like to bring a collaborative, positive, and team-based approach to the Board and help make decisions on behalf of the community to ensure our education system is functioning at the highest possible level.
Why do you think you are qualified for the job?
I have a Masters Degree in Education and have been a teacher, administrator and curriculum specialist in education for almost twenty-five years, working locally and provincially. I believe that my work in creating and teaching in programs such as Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, Adult Literacy, and online courses will be a great asset for the School Board and the sub committees to which I may be assigned. I also have administrative experience as the Program Administrator for Okanagan College locally and in the Trades Department regionally. Consequently, I have a very good understanding of local educational and training needs, have actively engaged with local business and organization leaders, and have managed budgets, staff and facilities. As a curriculum designer for Thompson Rivers University and Royal Roads University, I managed large teams of people to create online courses to meet institutional and instructional standards. In terms of governance, I have served on the Board of Directors of the Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club and Community Connections and have helped the Local Food Initiative and Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre with their strategic plans.
What issues would you want addressed if you were elected?
If I am elected as a School Trustee, I think it would be important that the Board continue to focus on delivering the highest quality of education in a safe inclusive environment for our students.
To that end, I would work diligently to make sure that monies continue to be managed in a responsible and cost-effective way with a focus on spending which will directly support student learning, engagement and success. I would also like to see the SD#19 continue its focus on maintaining small classes and proper class composition.
An extraordinary aspect of SD No.19 is the collaborative work it conducts with community organizations and volunteers to support our youth’s health and well being. I would like to this work to be continued. Some current examples of this include close …partnerships with Early Childhood Development workers; initiatives such as breakfast and healthy snack programs; participation in sporting events and teams; initiatives which stress online and social media in safe and respectful ways; participation in Early and Middle Development Instruments to measure student vulnerability and satisfaction; and support from employees at Community Connection and local medical practitioners to provide counselling, medical services, and student mentoring programs.
In addition, I would like to promote continued and expanded partnerships between local businesses and SD19 to meet local skill shortages and encourage the exploration of different careers for students.
I would also like SD19 to continue to explore partnerships with colleges and universities to deliver more dual credit programming which provides joint credits for high school and college, especially in the Trades, Computer Technology, and Tourism areas.
With the introduction of new curriculum and grading, I will advocate for clear communication and messaging to parents with regards to their childrens’ report cards and graduation. I will also encourage activities which will support teachers to implement this curriculum.