Sharon's Views on the Issues

School Closures:

School closures hurt the families and neighbourhoods affected by the closures, as well as the students in the schools expanded through the mergers. At the same time, fiscal responsibility puts pressure on the school board to close extremely inefficient schools. However, research studies have shown that the financial benefit to the District is often less than anticipated. We recently experienced several school closures in District #68. These closures were, in essence, driven by Provincial constraints put on the District. Currently, the District is facing Ministry-created restrictions on how the properties may be sold or put to alternate use. I believe that we should not allow any more schools to be closed. We need to explore creative options that protect our students by protecting our schools. We must always be forward-thinking and prepared to stand up for the rights of our families here in Nanaimo-Ladysmith. We must hold the Provincial government accountable for its promise to give our children the quality public education they deserve.

Class Size/Composition:

While classes have become smaller than when I was at school, the composition of these classes has become much more complex. Mainstreaming has created a diverse culture in which gifted, average, special needs, and ESL students are combined within a single class. In order to give all of these students the quality public education they deserve, and to make every student count, the teachers need adequate support from the Provincial government and the District. This support involves specially-trained teachers' assistants who can meet the individualized needs of these mainstreamed students. Teachers need the appropriate tools to manage the challenges created by both educational and behavioural diversity. We must insist that the teachers, counsellors, and principals receive our support and recognition for their hard work in providing quality public education.

The Arts:

A well-rounded education involves whole-brain development. Logic and analysis develop the left side of the brain, while creativity and music challenge the right side. The Arts (music, visual arts, performing arts) give students the opportunity for creativity, stress release, and a well-rounded education. For instance, students who learn a musical instrument often excel at sports, math, and language skills. The discipline of practicing the instruments outside of the classroom time also enhances self-discipline, time management, and life skills that can be applied to many different aspects of life. We need to promote and preserve the Arts as an important part of a well-rounded public education.

Programs for Vulnerable Students:

School District #68 has made significant advances in supporting vulnerable students, especially those with financial challenges. We must ensure that this progress continues, so that every student has the opportunity to experience the full array of educational offerings that the District creates. Healthy meal programs are particularly important to students' success in and out of the classroom. We must ensure that these benefits are protected, especially in times of economic uncertainty.

The Need for Strong Leadership:

School Trustees are leaders in the public school system. Good leaders develop collaborative visions, inspire others, challenge the status quo, and embrace change. We need to ensure that the individuals given the opportunity to be our leaders are dedicated to life-long learning, believe in the empowerment of others, and have a passion for serving the families of School District #68. We need strong voices standing up for the rights of our students. We need people who believe that collaboration leads to win-win outcomes, and who will go the extra mile to ensure that our communities' needs are met. We must work with other stakeholders: other school boards, the BCTF, the BCSTA, the District Superintendents, teachers, community members, and politicians to demand that the Ministry provide us with the necessary funding to give our students the education they deserve. I believe that we need to make every student count...