Space needs, safety in schools and supports for students are some of the issue facing the New Westminster school district, according to the three candidates vying in the upcoming school trustee byelection.
In a questionnaire circulated to the four candidates running in the Feb. 3 school trustee byelection, the Record asked candidates to respond to a number of questions.
The four candidates running in the Feb. 3 school board byelection in New Westminster (in alphabetical order) are: Jalen Bachra; Kathleen Carlsen; Alejandro Diaz; and Shawn Sorensen.
Today we look at their responses to this question: What are the Top 3 issues facing in New West schools – and how would you address them? (200 word limit)
Jalen Bachra, Community First New Westminster
1. Student mental health and counselling supports
2. Before and after-school childcare spaces
3. Continuing to create more classroom spaces, and ensuring all students have access
Addressing these issues starts by connecting with our students, staff, and parents. It is important that board members take the time to understand the issues facing our schools, and explore all options to solve them. Our district’s outreach team are often the people our students feel safest with; however, this team recently lost their space at the high school. I’m interested in finding innovative ways to provide more student supports and counselling, so that students have one-on-one support when they need it. In regards to before and after-school care, I support adding spaces using classrooms and multi-purpose rooms. These can be staffed by education assistants, who despite working tirelessly with children of a variety of needs, do not receive the full-time hours they deserve. Lastly, we must continue the work the board has taken on in addressing the need for classroom spaces and new schools. While there are plans for a new elementary school, middle school, and a Queensborough expansion, the board must continue to seek solutions to create more space.
Kathleen Carlsen, New West Progressives
First and foremost safety in all schools - see next question. Next 3:
1. Lack of Space -
- Advocate at the provincial level, alongside the city and district, for more money and space, and to change the funding model for new builds. Building for projected growth, not current enrolment.
- Advocate for buildings to include child-care spaces, school space.
- Encourage thinking “outside the box”
- To include students and families in decisions of new buildings and infrastructure
- Work with city to look at bylaws to increase allowable building height for future schools.
2. Fully funded classrooms needed -
- I will strongly advocate for an increase in the overall operating grant per student.
- Advocate for more EAs, EA training, support staff, resource teachers, daytime custodians, support workers for students with special needs, and resources for early assessments
3. Building and repairing relationships
- I will encourage respectful engagement with parents, city council and community partners
- Encourage IAP2 training and implementation to support public participation as a process to make better decisions
- Lead by example, actively listening to and learning from those in our schools every day as well as stakeholders, council members and community members. Truly work as a team.
(Note: You’ll have to wait for the Record’s next instalment to hear Carlsen’s response to the question about safety in schools as that was a question posed to all candidates. This was her verbatim response to the question of the Top 3 issues.)
Alejandro Diaz
In no particular order, budgets, communication between the school and the home, and recruitment, are what I believe to be the top issues today.
School boards must be advocates for getting sufficient funding.
Making sure each established and growing community has the facilities necessary to offer the array of programs necessary today is imperative.
Good communication is necessary for any progress. We have seen protests over what is offered in schools. I believe that anytime there is such great conflict there is usually a misalignment of goals of the opposing parties. Leadership needs to remain calm and insightful, and must also bring clarity to the goals of the system.
To have the best learning programs we can have we need to hire the best professionals available. We need to support our teachers by recognizing excellence and supporting those who need support.
Every program we offer must have the aim of teaching students how to have a successful and happy life. Success and happiness can be found in the trades, in professional careers, technology and in the service industry. We need to make sure we have the best staff hired to achieve those goals.
Shawn Sorensen
Education should be an instrument to balance out social inequality. It is essential that every child has access to high-quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic background. I’m dedicated to bridging this gap and working towards a system where every student receives equitable opportunities to succeed. This comes with advocating the provincial government for district funding.
Fostering a nurturing and empathetic environment within the education system is crucial for development of students, teachers, and the entire school community. This includes attracting and retaining educators that are passionate about creating safe spaces for students and having open communication between caregivers and the school system to promote transparency and accountability.
How we communicate matters. Leading with kindness means actively listening to the concerns and needs of all students, guardians, teachers, and staff. When children feel safe and supported, they are better equipped to engage in their education, build meaningful relationships, and develop the necessary skills to become confident, responsible, and compassionate.
I also acknowledge the district’s capacity obstacles. Using other urban centres as models, I want to be a part of the short and long term solutions so that young and new families can feel confident their children can be registered in SD40.
In previous articles, we were introduced to the four candidates and heard why they’re running for school board. In the coming days, the Record will publish candidates’ responses to a question about whether safety is an issue in schools and why they think they’d make a good trustee.
