Q&A with school board candidates

Our final question: What is lacking, if anything, for the students of the Central Okanagan School District? What would you like to see change or occur over the next four years?

WEST KELOWNA: CHANTELLE DESROSIERS: There is significant over-crowding in district schools. Facilities are stretched thin, and that doesn’t create environments conducive to learning. Canyon Falls and a new school in Lake Country will alleviate some pressure, but provincial capital funding is essential for a new high school in West Kelowna and replacement of Rutland Middle School. This year, consultation must occur to develop implantation plans for the recently approved middle-entry French Immersion at Hudson Road Elementary and middle school immersion at Glenrosa Middle School. Effective implementation is critical to the programs’ success and ensuring they are sustainable, accessible and fit students needs.

CHRIS VERNON JARVIS: Clearly there has been a failure to consider the demographic growth in West Kelowna which has been exacerbated by the class size ruling. I have not seen all of the schools yet but Mount Boucherie’s overcrowding and portables are totally unsuitable for modern learning.If the Province allows, we will soon be building a new secondary school and I am sure my experience would be valuable.

LAKE COUNTRY: DEB BUTLER: Stability for the system. Stable and predictable funding for resources, teacher and support staff bargaining, implementing and indigenizing the new curriculum to enable us to focus on meeting the needs of each learner.

AMY GEISTILINGER: I think students have a great deal of opportunities and advantages in our school district. We have incredible staff who care for the students; facilities that allow for great learning opportunities; dual-credit programs to fast track students into careers; and enhanced Aboriginal funding and resources (among other great initiatives). Where I can see improvements needed: upgraded facilities to meet new standards and needs; travel initiatives to provide students with access to the great programs offered throughout the district; and increased supports for teachers and staff to improve work quality and decrease burnout. Finally, I’d like to promote increased parental involvement in the education system.

PEACHLAND: MOYRA BAXTER: As we look at the entire school district, each unique school/program could identify something that is lacking for some or all of their students. In over-crowded schools it would be lack of space, in some schools it could be access to specialty programs and in others old facilities which need replacing. As trustees, we need to find innovative ways to support all of our students to ensure that they receive the programs and services which best meet their needs and we must continue to lobby government to provide us with fair and predictable funding to help us achieve our goals.

MARJORIE BRIMS: Funnily enough, no one has asked me this yet, SOGI 123 has taken the energy away from all other issues in this election. I would like to see more formal assessment and evaluation of initiatives and communication of the data, results and decisions to modify, continue, or stop. Money and energy are often directed to new programming in education. I would like to be confident that resources are devoted to determining if the proposed results have been achieved — and have improved student outcomes. SOGI 123 must be evaluated, and the results communicated broadly within two to three years.

KELOWNA (Four to be elected): NORAH BOWMAN: If elected trustee, I will make equitable funding a priority. Our board needs to come together to access funding for old and new schools alike. It is urgent, our kids can’t wait 10 years for classroom and school improvements. As Kelowna grows, school catchments become more complex. As trustee I would consult with parents and educators and work with the board to come up with fair catchment policy. Class composition must be addressed by the board. Teachers need support so they can include all children, with all needs and abilities, in positive learning environments.

ROLLI CACCHIONI: Adequate, sustainable and predictable funding from the Ministry of Education, so the board can implement its longrange capital plan and its strategic plan to ensure equity and accessibility to programs for all students. Also this type of funding will allow the board to properly resource the new curricula and provide necessary collaboration time for teachers to develop classroom resources.

CHELSEA FRANK: There seems to be a lack of music classes and drama in schools today. The arts is a great way for kids to express themselves through creativity and music. I would love to see more plays, musicals, concerts, etc. Something more offered to kids that isn't just sports. Some students love sports, but not all, we need to address the lack of creative and experiential learning. I would also like the maintenance issues dealt with at schools. I want a new middle school for Rutland made a priority and the accessibility issues at RMS dealt with immediately to ensure that it is up to British Columbia’s high standards ensuring safe access for all students.

JOEL FRASER: I believe putting money into older schools that have been neglected is the top priority for the Kelowna area.

JULIA FRASER: As a seven-year trustee, I understand two of the complex issues facing our school board are capital planning and the lack of stable, adequate and predictable funding from the Ministry of Education. I have been part of two new builds, two schools currently under construction and a school expansion. I have been a trustee on the board that is actively advocating for Rutland Middle School and new high schools in Glenmore and West Kelowna. Also, if we could budget several years in advance, it would provide quality, uninterrupted education for students and teachers with the necessary resources for teaching.

TERRY GIESBRECHT: I would really like to see more programs like BCIT sponsors at RSS and other satellite locations. Practical training for students right out of the gates. Implementing more practical financial training programs would also be a powerful way to help the children of our community be successful throughout their lives.

STU KYLE: I hear good things going on at Rutland with their trade program. This gives youth a huge jump start on there carrier path. Getting minds ready for the real world is a great thing. We need to look at getting students to the schools closest to them. Bussing should be provided if this is not possible. We should leave high school with money management skills and basic life skills.

JOACHIM NIERFELD: I am largely supportive of the direction our school district has taken. My child has had a very positive experience in the classroom. Like any parent, I have concerns and issues I would like to prioritize. If elected, two of my key policies will be to encourage sport and fitness programs for students of all ages, and to ensure our children strike a balance between technology use and real-world skills. The online world poses risks to children and youth, and we must teach our children to go online safely and responsibly.

PETER PAGLIOCCHINI: Overall equity is lacking. As a former teacher in our district, I have taught in affluent areas and areas with low socio-economics. I found large discrepancies regarding availability of “for student use” tech devices, enrichment program offerings and access to extracurriculars that students in poorer areas did not have access to. I would propose targeting a portion of the district generated funds from our international student program, to provide a designated account for these schools to apply for to remediate some of these discrepancies. My List: 1. A brand new Rutland Middle School (after over 20 years waiting); 2. Greater individual support for students designated as special needs; 3. Embedded release time to assist educators in developing resources to support the new curriculum, also alluded to by our superintendent; 4. Actual consultation and collaboration among all the SD23 stakeholders: ADMIN/COPAC/ COTA/ CUPE

LEE-ANN TIEDE: In a district that is currently at 5 per cent over capacity, and continuing to grow, we need to push forward in our work with the Ministry for more funding for space solutions, teacher development, learning aids, and increased staff support as we address and give due care and attention to class sizes. Advocating for increased funding for resources for students with special needs is a must, and with my background in the tech industry, I see an increased need to be ahead of the future technology curve to ensure that our graduates are set for success and are equipped to thrive in a professional environment going forward.