Editor's note:
We asked all of the candidates seeking office on Nov. 15 to answer two questions:
1. If elected, what is your number one
priority?
2. What separates you from the other
candidates?
We asked them to provide answers to each question in 50 words or less. Today, we present the answers of candidates for School District 69's board of trustees.
Area F (Coombs, Hilliers, Errington)
Julie Austin
1. Locally, ensure the transition of re-configuration maintains optimum learning environments for students and continue to monitor and question if decisions that were made continue to be in the best interest of students. Provincially, question the wisdom of focusing the 're-engineering' of education to fit within the B.C. Job Skills Blueprint.
2. I bring continuity and experience. I was the only trustee to vote against closing French Creek Community School based on financial and educational concerns. I have a proven record of asking questions, seeking clarification and being a strong proponent of public collaboration.
John Hildebrandt
1. My first and foremost priority is to ensure that School District 69 offers our students every possible opportunity to access educational programs that recognize individual needs, provide high levels of success and that enrich and expand their future opportunities.
2. I am an involved parent, with a proven record of volunteer service to the students and the community. I bring a solid business background of communication, relationship and partnership building. I bring perspective on issues, from pre-school to high school involvement. I bring pro-active, innovative, outside-the-box thinking to "Do More With Less."
Area G (Parksville/Qualicum Beach/French Creek/Dashwood
Willow Bloomquist
1. My main priority will be to ensure that our board maintains responsible stewardship of the district as a whole and in doing so ensures the needs of students are always the first and foremost consideration.
2. I don't want to make this too political so I will just say that school board members need to work as a cohesive group. I value my ability to be a team player and have an exceptionally vested interest in our district as my two children are just starting their school 'careers'.
Jane Williams
1. To work as part of a team to increase student achievement and to bring stability and the constituents' voice to the board table.
2. I have 12 years experience as a trustee, in both SD 69 and SD 84. I have trustee experience at the local, regional and provincial level and I am recognized for my strong advocacy work.
R. Elaine Young
1. My first priority is to fully understand and critically evaluate the district plans that focus on graduation and transition; reading and literacy; assessment, evaluation and reporting; and student learning services. I also want to continue collaborative and constructive discussion with all interested people.
2. I have a strong background in education and public service. This includes 17 years in public education at all levels, plus professional counselling, tutoring, mediation, and employment services. Both majority-based and collaborative governance systems fascinate me. I am positive, constructive, collaborative, and quietly effective.
Also running but did not respond by deadline: Jacob Gair.