1. education

PART B
BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTIONS
Candidate Statements
Annual General Meeting 2015
April 16-19, 2015
Hyatt Regency
Vancouver, BC
Annual General Meeting 2015
April 16-19, 2015
Hyatt Regency
Vancouver, BC
Board of Directors Elections
Candidate Statements
Candidate for President: Teresa Rezansoff
p. B1
Candidate for Vice-President: Gordon Swan
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Candidate for Director: Valerie Adrian
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Candidate for Director: Alan Chell
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Candidate for Director: Ken Clarkson
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Candidate for Director: Julia Fraser
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Candidate for Director: Doug McPhee
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Candidate for Director: Donna Sargent
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Candidate for Director: Sharel Warrington
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Candidate for Director: Christine Younghusband
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BCSTA AGM 2015 | CAndidate Statements
CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT
TERESA REZANSOFF, SD51 (Boundary)
The strength of BCSTA lies with you; its members. I have been
deeply honoured and privileged to serve as your President.
There is no question; it has been a year of challenge for public
education in British Columbia. As trustees at home in our school
districts and through BCSTA, we remained committed in our
protection of B.C.’s public education system. We have not wavered
in working to ensure that we are protecting the best interests of
students in our actions and decision-making.
Over the past year, we have been through job action, a prolonged
teacher strike, trustee elections, a provincial budget that has not
met our expectations and now Bill 11. BCSTA’s responses throughout
were forceful, measured and consistent. From the Stability For Students
Action Plan, media releases and open letters, to the recent Response to the
Provincial Budget, our advocacy has remained centered on the needs of students.
And we have more to do…
It is critical to immediately work to ensure that the autonomy of Boards of Education will not be negatively impacted
with the implementation of Bill 11 through meaningful consultation on any new regulations.
It is essential to continue pushing the objectives in our response to the provincial budget. It was disheartening to
hear disrespectful and misinformed comments from government. I believe there are fundamental expectations that
we should have from government; it is essential that they recognize the impact of their decisions on our students
and schools. Government directions should strengthen, not weaken the work that we do in our school districts and
through BCSTA.
Trustees and BCSTA have worked hard to establish a respectful co-governance relationship with the Ministry of
Education. We absolutely have significant work to do on the mechanics of the MOU, and BCSTA has requested a
review of the agreement.
Trustee governance of BCPSEA, the resolution of a provincial bargaining structure, and action on compensation for
excluded staff continue to be critical issues for us.
But there are exciting things ahead also: innovation and transformation, new curriculum, assessment changes, an
improved accountability framework and more. This is the work we really want to be able to devote our time and
attention to, where we know the positive impacts for students lies.
I would like to extend my deepest thanks to your hardworking Board of Directors, BCSTA staff and to you. It takes all
of our efforts together to effectively advocate on behalf of public education and students.
I know that our success as an organization lies in standing together. It relies on our differences as much as our
commonality. We are being tested as trustees, but I am confident that we will continue to keep our focus on students
and their success.
I respectfully ask for your support to continue as President of BCSTA. I will remain working diligently to critically
impact the matters that come before us and to act in a constructive and respectful manner to influence outcomes
that will positively affect BC’s public education system and its students.
Thank you.
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BCSTA AGM 2015 | CAndidate Statements
CANDIDATE FOR Vice-PRESIDENT
Gordon Swan, SD58 (Nicola-Similkameen)
If the students, our future, are not at the forefront of our
discussions, the rest is meaningless. At the end of the day it
comes down to the students - and it always will. It’s about what’s
in their best interest for a brighter future.
I believe that quality public education is critical to our province’s
social and economic success.
Sadly, it seems that the relief of having labour peace, so that we
could move ahead in building the future of public education, has
been sideswiped by a series of events that seem to originate from
outside of the Ministry. In response, your Board of Directors put
together a 10-point action plan based around six objectives and anchored
in our core values as an Association.
We all know that Boards of Education have not been provided adequate dollars
to address current cost pressures, despite the sound bites from various individuals. We
all know in 2014 the non-partisan Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services recommended
to government that “….there needs to be stable, predictable, and adequate funding for public education, particularly
to cover mandated increases for salaries, benefits, pension contributions, and Medical Services Plan premiums.” Yet
government has ignored the recommendations of their own committee process and left funding at a level where
school district services and student outcomes cannot be improved or even maintained at the level required in the
new global economy.
I will continue to press for supplemental funding equal to the $29 million administrative savings requirement for
2015/2016 and the $54 million requirement for both 2016/2017 and 2017/2018. At the same time we need to work
with the Ministry of Education in getting the Ministry of Finance to a place where there is a common understanding
of what dollars are in the pot earmarked “Administrative Services.” When we corrected the Minister and Premier
around the 7+ % number and pointed out the number was between 3 & 4 % on average, and had the media verify
that fact, the Ministry of Finance changed what was in that number. It’s simply wrong to change the formula to
validate incorrect data.
As Trustees we all recognize the limitations of the taxpayer’s ability to pay ever increasing costs which is why we
entered into discussions and have participated in the shared services initiative. It is a shared responsibility to ensure
each and every public dollar is spent wisely toward meeting the diverse needs of all learners and all communities.
We must remind government though, of their public commitment that savings from the implementation of Shared
Services would remain within the K-12 public education system.
It is time for the provincial government to work with Boards of Education; not against us. Full consultation and
collaboration is the only way to create an environment where the best outcomes possible can be attained for all
our students.
I ask for your continued support in re-electing me, Gordon Swan, as your Vice President of BCSTA.
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BCSTA AGM 2015 | CAndidate Statements
CANDIDATE For DIRECTOR
Valerie Adrian, SD74 (Gold Trail)
“It’s a matter of choosing what is most important to you and putting that
first. Once you have recognized your true purpose in life, this becomes much
easier.“ - Clarence Clemons
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself.
Background
My Nuu-Cha-Nulth name, given to me by my mother, is Aanaatwoqwees.
I am better known as Valerie Adrian. I am St’at’imc from Xwisten (Bridge
River Band). I am a proud parent of seven wonderful children, who range in
ages from fifteen to thirty-five, and grandparent of three.
I work as an Education Coordinator for my community. In this position I provide
all administrative oversight for all educational programs from “twinkle to twilight”.
This includes the:
•
Head Start/Daycare/Pre-school (K4) program which is centered around six
components: education; health promotion; culture and language; nutrition; social support;
and parental/family involvement;
•
K4-12 program for our membership. With the exception of K4 (Band operated), all of the students I am responsible for
attend public schools; and
•
Post-Secondary program
Politically, I sit as Co-Chair within our district. I have served BCSTA on the Advisory Group for Provincial Assessment, K-12
Aboriginal Education Group, and on the Aboriginal Education Committee, as a member and Board Liaison. Currently, I am the Chair
of the Finance Committee.
Issues
This past year we have witnessed the renewal of our teacher and support staff contracts, the election of approximately 30% new
trustees and the signing of our co-governance agreement with the Ministry of Education. As we move forward we will need to be
focusing on several issues:
1.
Trustees have a voice in public education, especially in our local communities, but we must work on our co-governance
relationship with the Ministry of Education to ensure the voice of trustees is not lost with the provincial government.
We have to ensure that both parties have a common understanding of the meaning of the document and we need to
determine how we can work together as true co-governors of education in BC.
2. The proposed Bill 11, Education Statutes Amendment Act (2015), was announced on March 26 and we have to ensure our
roles are not diminished nor minimized with those changes. We must remain autonomous.
3. Student enrolment varies but the vast majority of districts are declining in student numbers. Whether a district has
increasing or declining enrolment, there are budgetary concerns throughout the province that we have to consider, such
as unfunded cost pressures, the administrative savings requirements announced in this year’s provincial budget, and the
excluded staff pay freeze, to name a few.
4. Other issues that are important include improving Aboriginal education, full membership in BCSTA and a working
relationship with our educational partners.
I make student-focused decisions as they are my true purpose in life. It has been such an honour to serve the BCSTA membership
and I respectfully request your support to serve another term.
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BCSTA AGM 2015 | CAndidate Statements
CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR
Alan Chell, SD19 (Revelstoke)
My name is Alan Chell and I am respectfully requesting your support
for re-election to the BCSTA Board of Directors. I have served on
the Board for the past year and have found it to be a privilege to
work with my colleagues on advocating for public education and
supporting Boards of Education on the multitude of issues that we
face together. Our discussions are lively and we are able to offer
diverse viewpoints while operating in a climate of mutual respect.
It’s been a great Board to be part of.
To tell you a bit about myself:
I have been a School Trustee in Revelstoke for the past 30 years and
am proud of the work our Board has done over the years to support
students. Currently, I serve as the Vice-Chair of the Public Education
Benefits Trust. This Board is composed of six representatives appointed by the
Employer and six appointed by CUPE, and we focus on the Long-Term Disability
program and other benefits for CUPE members. PEBT is regarded as the model for
effective trusts. I have also represented school trustees as a member of the provincial bargaining team for the past
two rounds of negotiations with both the BCTF and CUPE (and other support staff unions). I was Chair of BCPSEA
at the time we were replaced by a Public Administrator and I am the past Chair of the Okanagan Labour Relations
Council.
In my community, I am currently on the Board of the Revelstoke Credit Union, Performing Arts Centre and the Early
Childhood Development Committee. I also organize an annual youth soccer tournament and assist local organizations
with strategic planning and workshops on Board development. I retired from my career as the Director of Parks and
Recreation five years ago. Most of my free time is spent with our four grandchildren.
BCSTA is an outstanding organization. Over my 30 years of trusteeship, I have found trustees to be passionate,
supportive and knowledgeable about public education, and BCSTA does an excellent job in representing us at the
provincial level. Currently, the Board is focusing on issues such as combating cuts to administration, working on
securing adequate funding for forced budgetary increases, making co-governance meaningful, new directions in
learning and innovation, the return of trustee governance to trustees, increased achievement for aboriginal students,
membership services, and at the forefront, advocacy. I believe that I have the knowledge, time, committment and
experience to represent Boards as we work towards protecting and improving an excellent public education system.
I respectfully request your support so I can continue to serve on the BCSTA Board.
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BCSTA AGM 2015 | CAndidate Statements
CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR
Ken Clarkson, SD42 (Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows)
As trustees, you know our first responsibility is to advocate for public
education, to lead the conversation and co-construct the destination
our democracy deserves.
The best decision is created when those who are affected by the
decision have a voice in deciding it. As a champion of process I will
advocate for our organization to meaningfully involve trustees as
the co-constructors of public education.
Public education is the cornerstone of our democracy. In British
Columbia, we have one of the most envied public education systems
in the world and an extraordinarily efficient one given the diversity of
our population. School Boards represent the voice of local communities
and trustees bring individual experience and strength of place to their
roles. Our children, our students, our public are the beneficiaries through
which we all express our differences and commonality, our wishes and dreams for
the future.
My passion for public education became clear early, and grew through thirty-three years as an educator, Bachelor’s
and Master’s degrees in Education, and six years as a trustee including as a past Board Chair.
As a member of the Legislative Committee for the last four years I participated in the revision of the Policy Book. It
provided a historical perspective and an understanding of the internal organization of the BCSTA. Like the society we
are embedded in, the BCSTA, School Boards and trustees are facing change.
It is more important than ever we face these changes united. In the words of our President Teresa Rezansoff, “Local
Boards in their own advocacy will and should be different in how this is done and has been for the last 110 years. It’s
always in tension. Constantly apart, while staying together.”
It is imperative we seek resolution with the two school Boards who are currently not members of BCSTA.
The issue of co-governance requires constant vigilance from all of us and will only be achieved through persistence
on the part of the leadership of this organization. Our unity is our most powerful demand.
An inclusive process is required to co-construct the relationship between Boards, BCSTA, BCPSEA and the Ministry of
Education. We can be a strong central organization consisting of autonomous local Boards.
BCSTA should take a leadership role to review the process, make recommendations for the future, enhance
relationships and create a trustworthy bargaining climate.
As a Director, I would advocate for an expansive conversation among trustees regarding Shared Services and the long
term effects on: local communities, Board autonomy and unintended consequences.
I have attended every PC for three years. All but one have ended before lunch. I suggest Provincial Councillors use
two hours after lunch to engage in conversations around important issues and follow as workshop leaders with our
fellow trustees at Board, Branch meetings and AGMs.
There are many issues which will shape the future of public education in British Columbia. As a Director of BCSTA I
would be honoured to advocate on your behalf.
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BCSTA AGM 2015 | CAndidate Statements
CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR
Julia Fraser, SD23 (Central Okanagan)
My name is Julia Fraser and I am running for the position of BCSTA
Director. I was locally re-elected as the School Trustee in West Kelowna
to the Central Okanagan Board of Education, School District #23. I
graduated from High School in Kamloops and went on to UBC for a
B.A. – Economics Major. 24 years ago my husband and I moved to
Houston, BC where he accepted his first teaching position and I was
a substitute teacher. It was here where I experienced first-hand
the challenges that small school districts face operating schools
with declining enrollment and find themselves in a shortfall despite
supplementary funding. The current funding formula assumes that
the number of students is the main driver of costs. The reality is
that there are a number of fixed education costs that districts have to
pay, regardless of the number of students enrolled.
Years later we relocated to the Okanagan where I gained valuable business
experience in the banking industry, then became a realtor, and I am currently the
regional sales manager for a BC hotel chain. My commitment to children and community includes being involved in
my children’s schools, PAC President and a member of the School Planning Council. I value my experience as Chair of
the Education & Student Services and Planning & Facilities Committees, as well as, my time as a Director and VP on
the Thompson Okanagan BCSTA Branch. The culmination of my work experiences and volunteerism in education
has brought me to the belief that all students in BC’s public education system have a right to safe, quality and
accessible public education. For this to happen we need to address increasing unfunded cost pressures such as
increasing costs in fuel, utilities, benefits, inflation for the price of goods and services, as well as the carbon tax.
These cost pressures have not been recognized by the Ministry and put additional pressure on BC School Board’s
budgets.
These are rapidly changing times in public education and I hope for the opportunity to be a member of the collective
voice on behalf of all school districts in BC. I am an excellent listener and am able to effectively advocate for all
aspects of public education. I am fair and honest and I am always ready to help when there is an issue, large or small.
I believe that the BCSTA Executive should be comprised of both experienced and new individuals. What I am able to
contribute to BCSTA is a fresh perspective and new ideas based on my experiences from small to large school
districts. Together we can be creative and come up with solutions to strengthen BC School Districts. I also have
my finger on the pulse of education as I have an elementary-aged child.
I believe the success of the BCSTA is dependent on a strong team working for all School Boards in BC. It would be an
honor for me to be a part of this Board. Please elect Julia Fraser as BCSTA Director.
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BCSTA AGM 2015 | CAndidate Statements
CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR
Doug McPhee, SD05 (Southeast Kootenay)
I am excited by the opportunity to serve the British Columbia School
Trustees Association as a Director. I have a wealth of experience
with the educational system that includes: classroom teaching,
student services, alternate education, support for Aboriginal
learners and communities, and formal training in mediation and
restorative practices. As my work history with School District 5
and in the community will attest, I believe in open and transparent
communication and working to maintain positive working
relationships.
My experience with the organization and function of the educational
system in British Columbia came early in life. My father was a school
administrator in Cranbrook and the dinner table was often a forum
on education in BC. I naturally followed a parallel path into the teaching
profession. My post-secondary education focus was on sciences and I enjoyed
my experiences at both UBC and NDU. I was fortunate in 1981 to find a job at
the local pulp mill, but the combination of a strike and the local availability of the SFU Teacher Education Program
provided additional encouragement.
My first teaching job was Grade seven in Kaslo, BC. There is much to be learned and appreciated from working in a
small community K-12 school. Students were family and the role and responsibilities of a teacher extended beyond the
classroom and included all social settings. The principal would often remind the staff, “If you are going to get out-ofhand, get out of town”. No truer words were ever spoken. His worries, however, were quickly replaced with my new
responsibilities of raising a family and the associated benefits of home repairs and household pets.
I returned to Cranbrook in 1987 to support my parents and provide my children with the benefits of a local college. I
was offered a teaching position in junior secondary and shortly moved into administration. In 1994, I received the F.K.
Stewart Fellowship Award for Educational Leadership for my work at the community and district levels.
In 2004, I progressed to the position District Principal of Alternate Education, and shortly thereafter, the Director
of Instruction. My leadership portfolio included Aboriginal Education, Trades Awareness, Technology, District
Suspensions, Safety and in-service on a variety of subjects including: Student Success, Restorative Justice, Safety,
Bullying, Harassment, Students at Risk and Crisis Response.
I retired in March of 2014 and became a Trustee on the Board of Education in the following election. I love my job. I
believe in connecting with the community, and every trip to town, PAC meeting or social engagement presents new
opportunities to discuss education and share success.
The role of trustee is to build faith in the public education system, provide opportunities for meaningful input and
ensure that the business of the district is responsible and equitable. Thirty-two years of service in public education
has prepared me to provide that responsible stewardship. I wish to continue this contribution as a Director of the
BCSTA, rebuilding faith in BCSTA through open communication and responsible leadership.
Further reference: Doug McPhee’s LinkedIn Profile
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BCSTA AGM 2015 | CAndidate Statements
CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR
Donna Sargent, SD38 (Richmond)
Hi. My name is Donna Sargent and I am looking for your support at the
upcoming BCSTA AGM 2015 for the position of Director on the BCSTA
Board of Directors. I have been a Trustee for 13 years in the Richmond
School District and am currently a Director on the BCSTA Board and feel
I can bring my knowledge, leadership skills and passion to this role. My
passion for Public Education began when my children first attended
kindergarten and I could see and understand the importance for every
child to have the very best education possible.
I strongly believe in democratically-elected Boards of Education who
are accountable to their community and who bring the voice of the
community to the table. I believe it is the truest form of democracy and
one that needs to be protected and supported to ensure success for all our
students.
Trustees need a strong provincial organization that advocates and supports the
work of Boards of Education around the province. It has been a very difficult and
challenging time and it is now more than ever that we need to come together, learn and support each other in our collective
work. The wisdom and knowledge of my fellow Trustee colleagues and the ability to share with each other through our
Association has been invaluable. I think it is important to strengthen that work through good communication, advocacy,
and for the continued work with the Ministry of Education. We currently have a Memorandum of Understanding with the
Ministry but it is clear that the real work lies ahead of us and that work needs to involve us all as well as our education
partners.
I am a hardworking, principle-centered team player and would like to bring my knowledge, leadership skills and passion
to the position of BCSTA Director and contribute to our collective work for the benefit of all our students. It would be my
privilege to continue to serve you on the BCSTA Board of Directors. Thank you very much for considering my nomination.
My experience has included:
BCSTA
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BCSTA Board, Director
BCSTA Aboriginal Committee, Board Liaison
Metro Branch Chair (3 years)
Metro Branch Vice Chair (3 years)
ELL Consortium Chair (4 years)
Student Scholarship Award Committee
Richmond Board of Education (13 years)
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Chairperson (4 years)
Vice Chairperson (6 years)
Land/Capital Committees
City/Board Liaison Committee
All Board Standing Committees
Please feel free to contact me through my email address [email protected] or cell (604) 250-6750.
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BCSTA AGM 2015 | CAndidate Statements
CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR
Sharel Warrington, SD57 (Prince George)
Public Education is at a crossroad. The path ahead will be determined by
the decisions we make as we address the challenges before us.
The control for local decisions is slowly being eroded. Our governance
role and voices of advocacy are being significantly challenged.
We have a responsibility, as the elected voice of our communities to
defend the importance of local decisions that address local realities.
We must call upon our elected members of parliament to work with us
to ensure that local governance is protected and supported. Locallyelected governance and decision making is the foundation for building a
strong educational and economic base in our province.
It is time to engage our communities and partners to work with us in support
of public education. The protection of and voice for public education belongs
to everyone.
Our collective strength is in the voice of 60 Boards of Education, committed and united.
Whether rural or urban, small or large, we must ensure our voice will be heard and our governance role is recognized and
respected. It is our responsibility to our students and to the communities we serve that we have a public education system
where all students can succeed and reach their full potential.
This is a time when we should be focused on moving forward, striving for excellence through innovation and opportunity,
yet we find ourselves faced with decisions imposed upon us that restrict and threaten our ability to provide the needed
supports for our students and schools.
In seeking to represent you on the BCSTA Board of Directors, I offer my leadership experience, my commitment to our
students and my commitment to building a strong united association that speaks on behalf of its members - your needs
and your realities.
My life journey began in the West and East Kootenay, then to the Peace River country and further into the Stikine region
before settling in Prince George. My teaching career spanned 30 years. During my ten years as a trustee, I served six years
as BCPSEA Representative, four years as Management and Finance committee chair, three years as board chair and a
member of all Board committees.
As an active member of the Northern Interior Branch I have served as BCSTA Education Committee representative for nine
years, four as your Education Committee chair.
Trusteeship is a privilege and an honor. I hold the deepest respect for your work and your commitment to your students,
schools and the communities you serve.
Moving forward our unity depends on the representative strength of our association’s structure from the voice of our Board
of Directors, to the voice of our provincial council, our branches and each member Board. We must keep that structure
strong and representative.
I ask your support to work for that united strength. I offer my commitment and energy to support your work and to be your
representative voice on the board of directors.
Our work is all about our students and their future. We must not let them down.
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BCSTA AGM 2015 | CAndidate Statements
CANDIDATE For DIRECTOR
Christine Younghusband, SD46 (Sunshine Coast)
Welcome to the 2015 BCSTA AGM. My name is Christine Younghusband and I
am looking for your support for re-election as Director on the 2015/16 Board
of Directors. For the last 20 years, I have been an advocate for BC public
education as a parent, educator, and school trustee. Currently, I am serving
on the SD46 (Sunshine Coast) Board of Education and proud of the work we
have accomplished.
As Director, I have witnessed the diversity of our Boards, our passion for
quality public education, and our resilience to endure unpredictable changes
to BC public education as we persist and continue to move forward with our
advocacy. As Boards of Education, we emphasize our voice to enact change,
build relationships with our communities, and create learning opportunities
for our students.
Education is a right. Quality public education is a must.
When we invest in public education, we are investing in our students, their learning
experiences, and our future economy. I am humbled, given the circumstances, by the
multitude of educational programs offered within our school districts throughout the province as we strive to meet the learning
needs of all of our students.
This is not to overlook some challenges faced by Boards of Education in 2014/15. Teacher bargaining, municipal elections, and
establishing balanced budgets for 2015 is just to name a few. These are only enhanced by unexpected announcements such as the
$40/day, adult education, and the admin savings plan; that is, money exiting the public education system. Now we are faced with
Bill 11 and its ramifications.
On the brighter side, I am thankful that the teachers’ contract was bargained, not legislated. As we continue to build relationships,
I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to former trustee Silas White (SD46) and Director Alan Chell
(SD19) for representing the best interests of Boards at the bargaining table. Your time, commitment, and expertise were greatly
appreciated.
BCSTA is a member-driven organization. If re-elected as BCSTA Director for the 2015/16 Board of Directors, I will continue to listen
to you, the members of BCSTA, and bring YOUR VOICE to the table. I am committed to public education, advocating for quality
public education, and representing member Boards at the Board table.
Currently, I am the SD46 Education Committee Chair, Sunshine Coast Community Futures Nominations & Corporate Governance
Committee Chair, and Vice-President of the Sunshine Coast Self-Employed Women’s Network. I continue to represent BCSTA on the
Standing Committee on Provincial Curriculum and enjoyed my role as Board Liaison with the Education Committee, Metro Branch,
and North West Branch.
My background is in education. I am an independent educational consultant, doctorate student at SFU, and former secondary
mathematics teacher. I am currently working on the Math K-9 Curriculum Revision Team and as a research assistant at SFU. I am a
mom, wife, and love living on the Sunshine Coast.
Thank you for considering my candidacy for the 2015/16 BCSTA Board of Directors.
Email:
[email protected]
Website:
www.christineyounghusband.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrusteeChristineYounghusband
Twitter: @ChristineYH
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