By CKPG News

SD 57 Candidate Questions

SD 57 Candidate Questions: Shar McCrory

May 30, 2023 | 12:00 AM

1. Why are you running for school trustee?

I believe in public education and supporting students, teachers and staff. I have been an advocate for youth and students in education for over 25 years. I have served as a school board trustee in SD82 for 8 years. I understand the role of a Trustee as well as the roles of the Superintendent and Leadership. I am familiar with the School Act, the strategic plan, bylaws and policies that guide the school district. As a trustee previously, I also have experience working with budgets at a district level and being on various committees in a Trustee role.

2. Do you support sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) education in B.C.? Why or why not?

I support SOGI education because I believe every student, every person, has a right to feel safe and feel that they belong. In 2017, a BC Government Factsheet found that over 25% of BC students identified as queer. I am sure that number is much higher now. Schools are a place of learning, and students need to feel safe to learn about themselves and express themselves without fear Diversity is our strength and inclusion is how we ensure students feel safe. I feel every person has a right to identify how every they feel is right for them.

3. What does School Board transparency mean to you? How will you work to make sure school board activities are transparent for stakeholders and the public?

How will you work to make school board activities are transparent for stakeholders and the public? Transparency begins with open dialogue Part of transparency is building relationships and trust with our communities, our partner groups, our teachers, our leadership, our students and our staff. The Board serves the public and must be open to communication. The Board of Education is the collaborative group comprised of trustees representing all students in the district and should be united in their voice reporting out to the public. The reporting out to stakeholders and the public is normally only done by the Board Chair. As a Board, there can be more streams of communication with Stakeholders and the public and it is important that information can be provided in a timely manner. A suggestion would be a monthly Board Highlights document sent out to all stakeholders that highlights activities the trustees attended and meeting highlights.

4. What are the top three issues facing students?

1. Mental health issues
2. Challenge of meeting social, emotional, wellness and academic needs – sense of safety and belonging
3. Teacher/Staff shortages – can not fully support student’s diverse needs

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5. Is the school district doing enough to prepare students for success following graduation? If not, what could it do better to prepare students?

I do believe that teachers and support staff are doing an amazing job within the parameters in which they are currently working. Students that graduate high school can be better prepared by having positive experiences while in school. The students that do not graduate or leave they system are an area we could work better at supporting and finding out how we can better provide education for them. We can do better with providing students supports for their learning and well being. More in class supports for teachers, more resources for students including more counsellors. Leadership does review graduation completion rates and look at better ways to support students but perhaps we could look at districts where students are thriving better and see what practices we could use to support our students more. We can work with our stakeholders and community partners to provide more inactive cultural and experiential education practices like back to the land programs, work experience/trade programs and community garden programs. Exposure and interaction to opportunities and programs students have while on their public education journey, will benefit them in their adult life.

On June 17th, please vote SHAR MCCRORY for School District 57 Trustee.