The following is a Q&A that was distributed to all School District 46 trustee candidates.
Candidate name
Sue Girard
Age
Elder
Occupation (s)
Officiant/celebrant, writer
Incumbent? For how long?
4 years
Do you have a child in the school system?
Grandchildren
Which position are you running for?
Area 3
How long have you lived on the Coast?
50+ years
What is most important issue facing the school community? How would you address it?
Housing shortages, mental health issues, food security for all children, Indigenous education initiatives, transportation & active travel initiatives. We have developed several Ad Hoc committees to speak to these issues & policies to address.
How are you currently involved with education in your community?
Current chair of the Education Committee, Addressing Childcare, Inclusive Education, TRC & Calls to Action, a standing item on Agenda, SD 46 Liaison PAC rep., sit on several community committees.
Who needs to be involved in school board discussions and decisions?
PAC groups, all parents of children in the school district, DPAC, student trustee, student voice/DSLT, teachers, EAs, CUPE, SCTA, all stakeholders, via YouTube, Zoom, in person at school board meetings.
What do you see as the role of the school board?
Operating in an ethical, respectful, professional manner. Board and committee meetings/agendas, policies/bylaws; Strategic plan development/implementation. Working with stakeholders. Diversity & Inclusion focused. Good Governance.
What do you wish we'd asked you?
Indigenous education initiatives, student trustee/student voice, DSLT, BCSTA, PAC/DPACs, mental health & wellness initiatives for students, staff, teachers. Training in trades. Fine arts. Early years/childcare, community schools. Strategic plan.
Website
Who are the other Area 3 candidates? See profiles for Briar Hartwell, Stacia Leech and Pammila Ruth.
