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Get to know the School District 10 directors and candidates

Get to know the School District 10 directors and candidates

 

 

Carol Bell, Eastern Zone (by acclamation)

My post secondary education as an Early Childhood Educator, my volunteer training as Scout leader, Crisis Line Councillor and Restorative Justice Coordinator was motivated by a sense of social justice. I believe how we care for the most vulnerable of our society sets the stage for what happens in the world.

Twenty years ago I arrived in the Kootenays as a stay at home Mom with three sons. Being involved with a diverse range of community organizations, both as a board member and as the chair has honed my communication and advocacy skills. Serving two terms both as a Silverton Councilor, the Municipal Director on the RDCK and as Trustee with SD 10 has been stimulating and invigorating.

I enjoy learning more about best educational practices, the budget process and alternate forms of delivery of education. I relish the role of liaison with the provincial ministries, service agencies and other Boards of Education; they are integral to having the best education possible here in the Arrow Lakes School District.

For me, being an effective trustee means taking the time to consider the past, take note of where we are currently in order to creatively plan for the future. I am able to successfully collaborate with all the stakeholders, to lobby for what I believe in and make sound decisions. I know the decisions I make will impact our students and their families, our staff and the community for the rest of all of our lives.

Pattie Adam, Central Zone (by acclamation)

I am currently in my ninth year as a trustee for the Board of Education of School District 10 Arrow Lakes. I take my job seriously; our children’s futures depend on that. As a proud supporter of public education we as tax payers should always be involved to some extent in the education of children today for our own future tomorrow. SD 10 has been a part of my life for nine years, these times have at times been difficult, but for the most part it has and will be one of the most rewarding endeavours of my life. I have had the privilege of knowing teachers and support staff and administration, that have shown me how important their jobs are to our children’s futures, they are some of the most innovative and knowledgeable people in their fields. SD 10 is a small district that has so much to offer both its employees and its students. We have learned how to become resourceful and innovative in the work we do. Every year that I have been a part of this Board of Education we have submitted a balanced budget, offered some of the most impressive courses that we have developed locally, we have involved students in our committee work as well as developed our first Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement. I am very proud of the contributions I have and will be giving the Arrow Lakes today and in the next three years. I would like to thank the Central zone for their continued support in my acclamation.

 

Lora Lee Brekke, Director-at-large Candidate

I served on the Board of Education for Arrow Lakes from 2002 to 2008, representing the Eastern Zone. I am very interested in the education system, as our children’s education is our future. While on the Board, I served three years as vice-chair, and was on the executive of the  Kootenay Branch of the BC School Trustee’s Association, as well as representing the Arrow Lakes School District on the BCSTA Provincal Council.

I am familiar with the schools in the district and want to represent the entire district by running at large. We are a unique district, and are one of the smallest districts in the province. I look forward to helping to maintain this status and working with the different partners throughout the district.

My children all attended Lucerne School and got a good educational start from this district. I would like to be able to keep the system going for our future and present students.

 

Ganishka Silverfox Dan, Director-at-large Candidate

My name is Ganishka Silverfox-Dann. I am one of the Native Elders in Nakusp. I am a mother to seven, grandmother to 13 and a great-grandmother to two. Two of my grandchildren are in high school in Nakusp. I am a volunteer in our community and enjoy working for others.

I was on the school board in Inuvik for one term and many problems that occurred in the north are happening here. Plainly put there must be more dollars invested by the Province into public education. There is no greater investment than in our children, and the payouts are limitless. I see the existing teacher job action as an issue that has to be addressed. This is a provincial matter that has implications because of the uncertainty in knowing how long job action will continue or if it will escalate. Locally we must be cautious in protecting the needs and interests of our students and work to ensure that we keep positive relationships with our teachers.

I see there are many challenges, but by keeping our outlook positive and focused on students and their success, challenges are more easily overcome. I am a calm thinker who will always put students first in decision-making. I see the value and power in cooperation and working as a team to address issues.

If I were elected as one of your school board trustees it would be a privilege and I will try to bring a fresh new outlook to school board 10.

Judy Struck, Director-at-large Candidate

I am running for another term as trustee because I like being part of a system that helps give our children the best education they deserve. I have been a trustee for 12 years. Before that I was very involved with the Parent Advisory Councils in the Southern Zone, Nakusp and with DPAC for about 15 years.  I have four children and they all went through our school system.  I also have two grandchildren currently attending Nakusp Elementary School. There are many changes coming our way from the Ministry of Education as well as challenges with declining enrolment, staffing and budgets. I feel my experience will be a great asset to the Board of Education for School District #10 in the future. I appreciate your confidence in me for the past 12 years and ask for your support for another three year term.

Thank you.