Below find statements from the seven candidates running in the by-election to fill the Terrace seat on the Coast Mountains School District school board that became vacant when Art Erasmus moved away last year.
The statements were submitted in response to a request by The Terrace Standard.
General voting day is Saturday, March 6 at the Terrace Sportsplex Multipurpose Room from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
There is an advance voting day and that is March 3, also at the multipurpose room and during the same 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. time period.
Roger Leclerc
Roger was born in Terrace and has lived in the community most of his life. Roger is married to Carol and they have three grown children and seven grandchildren.
Roger brings with him 15 years’ experience on private and public-school boards and 13 years in the adult education field. Roger has managed private training centres and private colleges, in partnership with School District 82 in the delivery of adult education.
Roger has spent a number of years working in the resource-based industries in a variety of capacities from labour to management. Roger has also been an owner operator of a resource/construction business for a number of years before moving into managing training, economic and business development centres. Roger has extensive management experience in economic development, business development and education and training. Roger has a Master’s Degree in Leadership and Training.
Priorities:
Ensuring best resources available for student success for all
Celebrating student successes
Student centred learning
Supporting parents in achieving the educational goals for their children
Supporting staff and management in achieving success
Promote a forward-thinking school district
Support technology
Promoting lifelong learning
Fiscal responsibility
Ed Harrison
I taught school in Terrace and worked in post-secondary education with the University of Alberta and Simon Fraser University. I retired last year from the UNBC Bachelor of Education Teacher Education program where I was coordinator.
Here is what I believe in:
– Creating a positive relationship between the students, families and staff who connect with the children on a day-to-day basis.
-The school board’s desire to create a five year educational plan based upon consultation with parents /guardians and students which will help create a positive, accountable education environment.
– The new B.C. curriculum which requires more individualized and group learning and includes a social – emotional component. I would encourage the board to actively promote this endeavour.
– Continuing the five year First People’s language revitalization plan which is very important for the Coast Mountains School District.
– Support for students who require alternate paths to complete their education.
– Listening. School boards should reflect the needs of the community they serve through careful, patient listening.
Lynn Parker
My name is Lynn Parker, I was born and raised in Terrace. I am Gitxsan/Tsimshian, and my traditional name is “Wii’Kxasw Jasa Wilin” which means, “wise one who thinks ahead”. I am married and have four children. Our family lives in Kitselas, where I hold an elected council seat on the Kitselas Band Council.
If elected as school trustee, I will give my undivided attention on learning and supporting the school district policies and procedures. I will be a great relationship builder and passionate champion for the Terrace community and I will give my best to both roles (council and trustee) concurrently.
I will concentrate on:
1. Accountability – Work on more ways to support a student in reading, writing, math, or science, to excel in their education. Acknowledge employees to feel valued for their work efforts.
2. Inclusivity – Check-in with students and offer opportunities that will assist and reach their full potential.
3. Essential life skills – Provide and educate students with life skills that will assist them as they become independent and self-confident young adults.
Dave Crawley
I’ve been fortunate to have a long and satisfying career as a teacher, counsellor, vice-principal and principal in Terrace for more than 35 years. In addition I’ve been the principal of Veritas Catholic School for five years and an education consultant for the past five years. I have a passion for education and learning.
My wife, Marilyn, and I came to Terrace in 1976 to get a year or two of experience. We fell in love with the community and are still here 44 years later!
Both our children, Jon and Sarah, were born here and both live in Terrace. Our six awesome grandchildren live here as well.
One of my passions has been playing and coaching basketball, and I have enjoyed working with young athletes, guiding them in sport and in life.
As an educational leader and life-long learner I have experience in every aspect of our education system. I look forward to the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience, and to “give back” to our Board of Education.
Peter Lambright
These are trying times. Through my friends and family members connected to almost every school in Terrace, I know that every week families and school staff alike face fresh struggles to juggle kids’ educational needs while protecting us all from Covid-19. People at all levels of the school district have pulled together and worked steadily to respond to changing safety needs for a year now. I’m ready to join the team with fresh energy to represent the concerns of parents and community members with the commitment to do what’s best for our children as the pandemic stretches on.
After 12 years in politics culminating as Chief Councillor of my hometown, Gitwinksihlkw, and school board trustee for School District 92 (Nisga’a), Terrace has been home for my wife and I, and our two young sons, since 2013. As trustee for the Coast Mountains School District, I will serve the future leaders of B.C.’s Northwest region with passion and dedication.
Kate Spangl
It is my privilege to put forward my name as a candidate in this by-election. I am grateful to recognize the Gitxsan, Haisla, Nisga’a and Tsimshian First Nations on whose traditional territories I live, work and play and where School District 82 provides services.
For the past 40 years I have worked in the north within the social services sector. My passion has been working with children and families and more specifically in the last 16 years I have focused on learning and providing, trauma informed services.
I believe in equitable access to education for all children, regardless of their specific learning needs. I would work at seeing that district wide we were supporting, in meaningful ways, learning environments that are reflective of the large number of children and families who have experienced complex trauma.
Making our schools true community resources, ones that promote and embody reconciliation, diversity, and inclusivity, would have my support to strengthen their existing efforts.
We have students who have been disengaged in the education system for the past 10 months. Our challenge moving forward will be reengaging them, working collaboratively with our communities, students, parents and educators.
I thank you for your consideration.
Diana Penner
I am 65 and recently retired. My grandkids are now in school and I am eager to represent them and other students needs as the school district’s newest board member.
I have been a trustee for the Terrace area on three previous terms when my own children attended school over a decade ago and served as chairperson on both the education and finance committees.
I believe I was diligent and conscientious during the nine years I served in this capacity. Actively advocating for the needs of students to our provincial education policy makers, unions, administration and parents is something for which I have courage and fortitude.
I was born in Kitimat and moved to Terrace in 1965 so am well aware of the uniqueness of our district. I am a farmer but worked in the service industry.
At 45, I returned to school to get my degree in social work through NWCC and UNBC. At that time, I was elected student governor on their board. If you vote for me. I can seamlessly join this already established team at the school district to diminish the stress of a by-election newcomer and will focus on current, pressing educational issues.
