Current job/career:
I am retired from position of Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Revelstoke and presently doing a bit of consulting for the Columbia Basin Trust Non profit Advisors Program
Why do you live in Revelstoke?
I moved here in 1981 and love the community. There are many things I enjoy about Revelstoke: friendly people, a “can do” mindset, strong community organizations, the four seasons and the outdoors. Linda and I have been very active supporting community events and have worked together on homecomings, the Glacier Challenge ball tournament, musicals, youth soccer and many early childhood events. Right now, I’m Chair of the Revelstoke Credit Union, organizer for the annual Little Bear soccer tournament and serve on the Early Childhood Development Committee
Why are you running to be a SD 19 board trustee?
My parents were both teachers and I grew up in a home that placed a high value on public education. I first was elected to the Board in 1984 and have served for the past 34 years. School District 19 excels in our kindergarten readiness, our literacy programs, graduation rates, academic achievements when compared to provincial averages, small class sizes and high levels of support from education assistants. In recent years, I have become very involved provincially and currently, I am Chair of the BC Public Education Employers Association (BCPSEA) and Vice Chair of the BC Public Education Benefits Trust (PEBT). I also served for 3 years on the Board of the BC School Trustees Association (BCSTA).
We have 2 grandchildren attending Revelstoke Secondary, 1 in Cornerstones and 2 in elementary school in Kelowna.
Why do you think you are qualified for the job?
I believe I have shown that I work collaboratively with people, I understand the issues and I can offer opinions that lead to solutions. I am proud to be part of a District team that focuses so much of our budget on direct classroom services. I make it a priority to be connected provincially and worked closely with the previous government to help obtain approval and funding for the new Revelstoke Secondary School, Begbie View Elementary, the Performing Arts Centre, Gymnastics Centre and Early Learning Hub. Right now, I am working closely with the current government on preparing for a very complex round of negotiations with the BC Teachers Federation (BCTF)
What issues would you want addressed if you were elected?Sale of our surplus school sites
Bargaining will start in early 2019 between BCPSEA and BCTF. The major issues revolve around language related to class size and composition that was restored by the Supreme Court of Canada. I was part of the provincial restoration discussions and will be at the upcoming provincial table if I am re-elected in Revelstoke.
Continued implementation of the revised BC curriculum
Mental health and student wellness initiatives
Continue to be a part of the team ( trustees, administration, teachers, support staff, parents and community partners that work well together with the result that many consider us to be the finest School District in British Columbia