By CKPG News

SD 57 Candidate Questions: Dusty Martin

SD 57 Candidate Questions: Dusty Martin

May 30, 2023 | 12:00 AM

1. Why are you running for school trustee?

I am running in this election because I am passionate about learning and educating, not only for our children but everyone within the community. I believe I have a powerful and insightful voice that could help create meaningful change within our system. I am a member of the British Columbia Veterinary Technologist Association, gaining my Registered Veterinary Technologist status in 2018. Part of my role as an RVT is to advocate for those who don’t have voices and ensure they receive the highest quality care available. It has also taught me great skill in communicating with clients and other people within the community, especially when it comes to accurate and accessible education.

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

Sexual orientation and gender identity are something that every person has, regardless of who they are or where they live. It is a small piece that helps creates our overall sexual health. As a neurodivergent queer woman, being apart of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community means that I express these specific traits differently than someone who is not a part of this community. To not support this topic, would mean not supporting myself or any other person who calls this land home. Differences expand our understanding and makes the world a more fascinating place. In order for us to have better understanding and acceptance of these differences, we must focus our attention on issues that reach deeper and wider within our systems and communities.

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?

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The school board is a complex environment that I have no personal experience with. I can however acknowledge my limitations of how far my knowledge does go. In order to attain true transparency, from both within a system and without, it requires a large amount of networking, cooperation, and collaboration from every resource that is available. Making connections, strengthening the trust between all people, and giving space for listening is the best way to ensure clear communication is achieved.

4. What are the top three issues facing students?

Addictions, mental health issues and a lack of hope.

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

No, the current education system does not prepare students. If anything, it does the opposite by not focusing on how to be self-sufficient. The curriculum is very heavily STEM focused, which is necessary for many essential occupations in our communities, however none of these courses support basic life skills. We rely on teachers to provide all-around education, but we aren’t educating on how to file taxes, how to cook, do laundry, how to change a tire, tend a garden or survive a night in the forest. My primary and secondary education did not prepare me for adulthood and not everyone has knowledgeable role models in their lives to learn from. It is our job as a community to ensure all children are set up for success and can reach their highest potential.