Opportunities

Critical to meeting the challenges that our district faces is the sharing of proven practices, resources and expertise between schools, across the municipalities, and with other districts. We can benefit from better optimizing the talent, facilities and resources that already exist, or partnering with others to address future needs. We need to work with others to design and implement changes that strengthen our education system.

Specifically, I would like to see more:

1. Focus

With limited resources, we need to focus resources on program and priorities that we know meet the diverse needs of students and result in success for everyone. In trying to balance the many inputs and opportunities from all stakeholders, there is a risk that the District has become diluted in its focus, spreading limited resources too thinly. Let’s get clear on who are students are, what they need to succeed, and ensure that resources are focused on practices that we know will meet their needs. A succinct District Plan needs to clearly link student performance standards, assessment information, priorities and resource allocation. This plan must be both future-focused plus provide practical guidance for year-to-year operations.

2. Sharing

Critical to meeting the challenges that our district faces is the sharing of proven practices, resource and expertise between schools, across the municipalities, and with other districts. We can benefit from better optimizing the talent, facilities and resources that already exist, or partnering with others to address future needs. I want to be sure we are doing everything we can to foster information sharing between educators, students, parents, and community members, so that there is continuous learning, improvements and efficiencies.

3. Integration

To make best use of resources, deliver more integrated services to children and families, and minimize our impact to the environment, we need to explore more integrated facility use and coordinated service delivery. I am excited about the Neighbourhood of Learning initiatives where school districts across B.C. are consulting with community partners and organizations to find unique and innovative ways to design schools with community use in mind and create places where people have better access to educational and community services.

4. Celebrate Excellence

As a District with high standards of excellence for our students and staff, I want to ensure we clearly communicate these as well as celebrate those who achieve them. We need to recognize student leadership, community service, innovation, sportsmanship, environmental stewardship, academic performance, caring contribution, and exceptional teaching. Recognizing success is good for everyone as it helps reinforce excellence plus inspire others.