My Priorities
If I decide to run, and if I am elected, my priorities as a school trustee will be grounded in practical, student-focused decision-making and informed by both personal and professional experience. I am a parent and a community member here in Victoria and I have a personal connection to public education, including my lived experience with a disability alongside my daughter, along with relevant education and work experience. I understand the importance of thoughtful governance, long-term planning, and decisions that work in practice for students, staff, and families.
I am currently working to determine the highest priorities for School Trustees in SD61. Please share with me any thoughts, information or feedback you have regarding School Trustees and SD61, and what you believe to be the most important issues for the next Board here in Victoria to address.
Below are three initial priorities which I have developed from discussions with parents, teachers and the community, and my personal experience. I hope you can help me further develop and streamline these priorities.
Student Well-Being and School Safety
Student well-being and safety in schools across SD61 should be at the heart of every school trustee decision. I believe in prioritizing safe, inclusive and respectful learning environments where all students, including LGBTQ+ students and Indigenous students feel welcomed, supported and valued, and meals and supplies are available at schools for any student. We also need to ensure that methods are in place to avoid, reduce and address violence at schools, this includes incidents between students incidents between students and staff. It is essential that everyone in the classroom, and schools, is connected, supported, safe and able to succeed.
Classroom Support and Working Conditions
Strong public education is essential to building a healthy and connected community. I support well-resourced classrooms, funding being available for teachers, educational assistants and other school staff, a weighted demographic implement based on school need, addressing current staffing shortages and ensuring we have the learning environments in place where every student has the opportunity to succeed. We should advocate for inclusive learning opportunities and responsible long-term planning that keeps public education strong, funded and accessible for families and staff across SD61.
Transparency and Community Engagement
Strong public education in SD61 depends on trust, transparency and meaningful community engagement. I believe that families, students, staff and community members across the Greater Victoria School District should feel informed, heard and included in the decisions that shape our schools. It is essential to support open communication, accessible decision-making and stronger connections between the school district and community it serves.
My focus is on practical governance that keeps students and classrooms at the centre of decision-making. I believe effective trusteeship requires listening carefully, thinking long-term, and making balanced decisions that support both today’s students and the future of public education in our community