Editor's note: For the next four weeks, Coast Reporter will be running profiles on all candidates in the Nov. 19 municipal election. All the candidates were asked to submit 300-word profiles.
Betty Baxter
Working as a facilitator and adult educator for over 35 years, I believe that education plays a key role in the quality of our community.
I am running to provide the best service for students and their families that is possible within the resources available to us, to be the best employer we can be and to ensure that the school district is a fundamental player in the development and enhancement of our community.
As a private consultant and mediator, I have worked with school districts, colleges and universities throughout B.C. providing training, planning and investigations.
In 16 years residing in Roberts Creek, I've consulted with many non-profit and public agencies on the Sunshine Coast for training and strategic planning needs.
For most of my adult life, I have volunteered on boards in the non-profit sector in sport, in healthcare, in community groups and, most recently, in equestrian clubs.
In leadership roles as an Olympic athlete, a volleyball coach for kids' camps, for teams for students and adults, I have worked at all levels of amateur sport. I have successfully managed a small business, contract training for distance learning at the post-secondary level, been the equity officer for a large union and managed and taught a program on civic leadership.
I have a bachelor of physical education (UBC) and a master of arts (U of A) with a thesis on communication in coaching.
Lori Dixon
Lori Dixon is running in Rural Area 2: SIGD, Area D, Area E and Area F.
She believes that the real work of the education system is to turn out the next generation of Canadians, and that the work of the board is to reflect the community's expectations by supporting learners and staff by encouraging and appreciating creative and sound professional innovation to address today's educational challenges.
Areas Lori wants to work toward: partnerships with senior educational institutions to expand on programs such as Ace-It by adding plumbing, etc., and to build new high tech training programs. Programs like these could be structured and offered to adults in our local workforce to further their career paths or to retrain altogether, keeping their costs down by doing most or all of their training on Coast.
The board should regularly engage the Coast community to hear what the expectations and needs really are, set plans to work towards short and long term goals based on that information, and regularly report on the progress of those plans in yearly board evaluations. A strong board is based on these three things.
Science/outdoor education. Research bears out what we know. Keeping learners active in the greatest laboratory ever created has uncountable benefits in keeping them excited and involved in learning - especially in the elementary years.
And finally, taking a good look at our amazing alternative school program and building on that success and building on our special needs programs.
Claudia Ferris
My two daughters are enrolled in SD46 and my family lives in Elphinstone.
I have years of experience working collaboratively for positive change on local community boards and committees. I believe I have the background, communication skills and passion to do a good job for our children as a school board trustee.
My top priority is to help make public schools work for everyone.
Choice is needed within the public system in order for every student to get the education they deserve. I want to work with the SD46 team to build on effective programs and prepare our youth for successful lives.
I will work to: support and strengthen community schools, improve distance learning and trade and apprenticeship programs and protect publicly funded and delivered education.
The Sunshine Coast is faced with declining school enrolments and constant financial pressure. Trustees must work constructively with administrators, teachers, support staff, students, parents and all stakeholders to meet the challenges of personalized learning. My vision is to ensure public schools are the first choice for families for an excellent education.
Engaged parents are vital. I sat on a PAC executive in East Vancouver and became a district PAC representative.
As an Inner City parent, I led a successful campaign to protect CommunityLink funding for community schools. I represented parents on school board committees and advocated for public education in the media.
I am an active volunteer with First Gibsons Scouts, Gibsons and District Chamber of Commerce, Sunshine Coast Labour Council, Sunshine Coast Community Forest and the Town of Gibsons infrastructure services committee. Please vote for Claudia Ferris for school trustee in Area Two, West Howe Sound, Elphinstone, Roberts Creek and the Sechelt Indian Government District.
Fran Heppell
I was first elected as a trustee in 2008.
Although I wasn't the Town of Gib-sons representative, I took the initiative to attend PAC meetings and many other events at Gibsons Elementary School and Elphinstone Secondary School. I have heard the ideas and concerns of staff, students, administrators, teachers and parents. I am running for trustee in the Town of Gibsons because I want Gibsons schools and Gibsons parents to have full-time representation.
I've been working with parents, the Town and the Ministry of Transportation to improve the safety of the intersection at Gibsons Way, North and School roads. The crosswalk has been moved and more improvements are planned.
Both my children were blessed with quality education in Gibsons -not just in academics, but with arts, sports and extra-curricular activities.
I want all students to have these opportunities. I will protect music and fine arts programs, and the non-academic components that are vital to a well-rounded education.
I am passionate about early learning. I will continue to support initiatives that bridge the gap between playgroups and kindergarten, striving to fully integrate early learning and childcare.
If re-elected as a school trustee, I will bring a common sense approach to the challenges facing SD46. I'm a consensus builder. I will listen to the concerns of students, parents, teachers and all our employees.
Our achievement contract sets out clearly the direction in which we should be going, to meet the needs of all our students - in literacy, numeracy, social responsibility, Aboriginal education and early learning. We have set achievable targets. As trustees, let us work together with all stakeholders to give our students the best possible educational experience.
Diane Hill
I'm running in SCRD Area 2 - SIGD, Roberts Creek, Elphin-stone and West Howe Sound.
I have been actively involved in the school district as a parent of three children, first at Langdale Elementary School and then graduating from Elphinstone Secondary. For the past 18 years I have contributed as a trustee in 1996 to 1999, on Langdale Elementary and Elphinstone Secondary PACs, DPAC, Education Interpretation Committee and Coastal Parents Actively Sharing.
I have the experience and commitment to represent the community's interests in our school district.
I feel that community involvement in schools builds stronger schools and stronger communities.
We are facing challenges in keeping neighbourhood schools open with low enrolment and limited budgets. Broadening the use of school facilities (neighbourhood learning centres, after school care, early learning programs, etc.) provides more opportunities close to home and contributes to cost-effective operation of the schools. We need to continue building partnerships to increase the educational opportunities for students, including the trades training (ACE-IT) programs.
Connecting the community to students, especially in high school, provides students with a greater sense of community (more than just the place their family lives and where they went to school) and an awareness of what is available to them as a place to live, work and raise a family. We need schools that provide excellence in education, are safe and caring and are a place where young families will be proud to have their children learn.
Larry Koopman
I am very happy to be running in Area 2.
I have a bachelor of education degree and have been an educator in various capacities for most of my professional life. Since 1989, I have had the opportunity to work with persons with disabilities in providing vocational guidance and support. I currently work part-time as the Sunshine Coast community co-ordinator for the Opportunities Fund.
I have decided to run because I am passionate about the importance of quality education, and because I believe I have the particular skills and experience needed for solving many of the challenges that our school district faces. I would approach the issues in a rational, practical and focused manner. Some of my fundamental beliefs in running for this office include the importance of sound fiscal management and balanced budgets, need to provide more support for teachers in their incredibly challenging roles, importance of addressing the under-funding of education in this province, and trustees' responsibility to advocate vigorously for public education.
My goals include: building meaningful relationships with parents, community members and businesses with the goal of improving student achievement, effectively communicating the concerns of parents and the community, exploring the possibility of creating a mentorship program to provide opportunities for students to explore possible career paths, and exploring Green Schools initiatives that could save the school district utility expenses and provide a valuable learning opportunity.
My wife Lynn and I have happily resided in Elphinstone for the past 17 years.
Erin Lane
My name is Erin Lane and I am running for the position of school trustee representing the District of Sechelt.
I have two daughters in the elementary level and have growing concerns with bullying, lack of after school activities and lack of French immersion programs. Firstly are the issues surrounding bullying. We need to take a two-prong approach through educating school staff as well as creating a district-wide rights, responsibilities and consequence policy. We need to ensure all students learn accountability for their actions and that all students feel safe. I am passionate about ensuring each student's rights for respect, equality and safety. There needs to be accountability for parents, staff and students alike.
Secondly I want to see more after school programs for all ages and schools with the understanding thatbusingissues need to be resolved. Every child deserves therightto participate in after school activities. These activitiesinstill discipline, teamwork, leadership and strong bonds within their peer groups as well as a strong self worth. Each school should feel involved within our community through such activities.
And thirdly, the return to a French immersion program is another point of interest of mine. I spend a lot of time being involved with our students. I am a director at large for the Sunshine Coast Youth Soccer Association, as well as a coach for the U11 girls' soccer team. I have also just started an after school soccer club at Kinnikinnick Elementary School for grades 3 to 5. I want to advocate for parents and children for a responsible and accountable community. Make your vote count! [email protected] / Erin Lane for the District of Sechelt School Trustee (Facebook).
Dave Mewhort
SD46 has recently undergone atremendous turnover in senior staff. With a new superintendent, assistant superintendent, secretary treasurer, manager of facilities and district principalresponsible for special education, I believe I can add the stability required at the trustee level to help to put together a fantastic new leadership team. This is anexciting time.I am running for re-election in the District of Sechelt to be part of this new team.
I am particularly interested inexpanding our fine arts programs and re-energizing our international student program. Both of these initiatives offer fantastic opportunities for our students and help promote student achievement.
I also believe in transparency and will continue to work towards as open and transparent a system as possible.
Over the years, I have held a variety of positions with the school board and have chaired many committees including the policy, and finance and facilities and transportation committees. I have also been the board's provincial council representative, BCPSEA representative and vice-chair.
I have lived on the Sunshine Coast for many years and am married to Sue Thompson (owner and operator of Sew Easy in theTrail Bay Mall in Sechelt). I havetwo grown children who went through our school system on the Coast.
My goal is to continue to represent students and parents at the board table in an effort to provide the best possible public education system anywhere.
Lennea Perpet
If elected as a school board trustee for the District of Sechelt, I promise to listen, advocate and keep it all about children.
I believe the educational experience should be positive and success driven, respecting the capacity for learning, cultural diversity and interests of all our learners. The dedication I have observed by those involved in the deliverance of educational programs in SD46 and the passion shared with other parents surrounding school issues, were instrumental in reaching my decision to run as a candidate and become part of this inspiring team.
I am a married mother of three children, two graduates of Chat and one currently attending there. I have extensive school and community volunteer experience which includes: current co-ordinator of the hot lunch program and former PAC chair of Chat, former PAC executive member of Sechelt Elementary, co-ordinator of Sunshine Coast Challenger Baseball for children with special needs, seven-year board member of Sechelt Minor Softball, and Coast Academy of Dance costume/class rep.
My participation in/on numerous SD46 initiated educational seminars and committees surrounding issues such as the future of education on the Coast, the effects of declining enrolment, peer interaction, and Internet safety as well as the completion of district offered courses in the area of children with special needs towards becoming a SETA are instrumental in fuelling the passion I have for creating the best learning environment possible for our children.
If given the trust of the community as an elected school board trustee, I look forward to taking your suggestions and concerns to our educational community and working together with them for the continued success of our learners.
Greg Russell
My volunteer work in schools and various community organizations continues to provide me with valuable insight into the needs of our children and our community that helps toguide me in my work as a school trustee.
As a school trustee for the past nine years, I have supported the many improvements that have been achieved in our children's education, especially in the area of programs for our special needs students and in the success of the students enrolled in the alternative school programs. We have also become leaders in the province when it comes to supporting early childhood education.
Thanks to the leadership of our senior administrators and with the support of the boards of education over the past nine years, our early childhood education programs are working towards ensuring that all children are prepared when the time comes to begin school.
As one of your representatives, I will continue to support this excellent work.
Over the next three years, I will support the board of education in advocating for full funding support for our special needs students, continue to support the expansion of the ACE-IT trades training programs and seek to include training for young adults in these programs to help to provide them with the job skills we need in our community. I will also support our new senior management team in their quest for creative ideas to further increase our graduation rate. With your support, we can move our school district towards a learning community of excellence.
On Nov. 19, I ask for your support in Area 2.
Jason Scott
I am seeking re-election in rural area 2 (West Howe Sound, Elphinstone, Roberts Creek, SIGD), and I hope to continue working towards ensuring schools continue to be welcoming and safe places for all children and their families. I believe our neighbourhood schools are the hearts of our communities and should be viewed as the great public resources for community enjoyment that they are.
I want to see vibrant classrooms and teachers who feel they have the resources and support they need to lead our children to excellence. As a trustee, I work to ensure our children have access to innovative programs and exciting technological tools that will prepare them for the fantastic opportunities ahead.
I have enjoyed spending time in schools: volunteering in classrooms, attending events and PAC meetings. I am involved in many positive initiatives on the Sunshine Coast and I thoroughly enjoy coaching both U7 soccer and Elphinstone Cougars rugby.
Family life is central to my priorities and I credit my great wife and two amazing kids (ages two and six) for my success and happiness. The needs and importance of children have been at the heart of my profession for the last 18 years, as I have directly supported vulnerable children and families from a strength-based approach. Currently, I am the project leader for a youth employment/life skills training program here on the Sunshine Coast.
Elected officials work for you, the people, and I have endeavoured to invite feedback and debate - in person and on my webpage: jscott46.wordpress.com.
I believe my vast experience working directly with children, coupled with my readiness to get involved in schools and communities, helps to make me a strong advocate for the children of the Sunshine Coast, and a solid candidate for re-election.
Erin Brooks-Wilson
My husband Richard and I both grew up and went to school on the Sunshine Coast. After living in Van-couver for a number of years, we moved back to the Coast in 1997 to raise our family.
I'm a parent of four children in the school system and have built strong relationships with teachers and administrators. I've been PAC chair for several years, I'm a current board committee member and I have relevant work experience in an accounting firm. I believe I bring to the table the skills required to successfully serve our children, our families and our community.
I am running in the District of Sechelt, to help take our schools from good to great through honesty, transparency and common sense. Great schools are not only essential in the training of our children and future leaders but are also essential in the building of strong communities. Great communities build great schools, and great schools build great communities.
We need to do an honest assessment of what is needed to bring our schools to this next level. With that in hand, we need to evaluate our current resource allocation, review our current resources and determine what is lacking in our schools. Then, and most critically, we need to move beyond focusing on the barriers and start finding solutions, as a community.
Our children's futures can't be set aside while we wait for someone else to solve existing education issues. Whatever we believe about who should be doing what, our children need great schools now. They deserve the best that we, as a community, can give them today. I believe with a strong emphasis on communication and collaboration, I can help take our schools beyond just good and help make them great.
Silas White
I'm running for school trustee in the Town of Gibsons to continue to provide community leadership for the Sun-shine Coast: making certain we get our beautiful, rebuilt Gibsons Elementary School from the province; ensuring our children have safe walking and cycling routes to and from school (especially the School Road intersection); advocating for local strategies to attract, retain and employ families; expanding our trades apprenticeship programs through local-business and provincial partnerships; being a strong voice at the provincial level for education funding, manageable classes and special needs support; being extremely engaged and informed in the labour issues we're facing in B.C. education; and working effectively and collaboratively with senior management and our employee groups to make student learning the top priority at all times.
I was born and raised here, graduating from SD46 with a Governor General's Award for academic achievement. After completing my bachelor's degree at UBC, building up a publishing business in Toronto, and leading a rock band, I settled in Gibsons with my wife Amanda to raise our family.
Our eldest of two daughters is scheduled to begin kindergarten at GES next September. I've represented Sechelt as a trustee for six years, the last four as board chair, and I'm very excited to directly work with the schools in Gibsons where my kids will be educated for the next 16 years.
I've been elected the last three years to represent all boards in the province on the BC Public Schools Employers' Association, and have also been endorsed in this election by the Sunshine Coast Labour Council. I've also served on boards of VOICE on the Coast, the Sunshine Coast Arts Council, Royal BC Museum and Association of Canadian Publishers. In August I finished my master's degree in public administration at the University of Victoria.
Christine Younghusband
I am running for school trustee representing the District of Sechelt.
I have been a resident of the Coast for the past 17 years and taught at Chatelech Secon-dary School for 16 years as a mathematics, science and chemistry teacher.
I have extensive experience, knowledge and expertise as a high school educator in SD46 and I am passionate about public education, student learning and mathematics for everyone.
I continue my involvement in education as a doctoral student at Simon Fraser University (SFU) studying educational leadership, parent volunteer at West Sechelt Elementary, tutor at Capilano University (Sunshine Coast campus), Master of Education site assistant at SFU, executive member of the BC Association of Mathematics Teachers' Association, and self-employed as an educational consultant.
I continue my involvement in education as a doctoral student at Simon Fraser University (SFU) studying educational leadership, parent volunteer at West Sechelt Elementary, tutor at Capilano University (Sunshine Coast Campus), master of education site assistant at SFU, executive member of the BC Association of Mathematics Teachers' Association, and self-employed as an educational consultant. To represent the students, families and community members as a school trustee would be an honour and privilege.
It would be an opportunity to actively partake in public education as a community member with a deep desire and genuine hope of positively affecting student learning.
My husband Randy and my eight-year old daughter Zoe both love living on the Sunshine Coast in West Sechelt as much as I do.
My interest in being a part of the SD46 board of education is to continue my involvement in public education, with a different perspective.
How does policy positively affect student learning? My platform is student learning, learning communities, and safe learning environments.
Building relationships, continuous dialogue, and collegial collaboration amongst students, staff, parents, and community members promote quality public education for our students and improved student achievement.
Editor's note: Our municipal election candidate profiles continue next week in the Oct. 28 edition with the four mayoralty candidates for the District of Sechelt and the nine candidates vying for seats at the Sunshine Coast Regional District board table.
