The 2022 General Local Elections are on October 15, 2022. Election profiles on the Salt Spring Exchange feature candidates who are running for local office. These short interviews are structured so that we can quickly and easily learn more about each of the candidates and a bit more about why we might consider voting for them. All candidates have been invited to participate.

This profile is from Nancy Macdonald who is running as a candidate for School Board Trustee.

Tell us a bit about your background:

I grew up near Horseshoe Bay and later lived in Kitsilano while attending UBC (B.A. M.A. and PDPP). I lived in France for a year, and then became a French Immersion teacher when the program was in its infancy. My husband and I moved to SSI in 1983 where we began the long project of building a house in the south end. To add to that chaos we had 3 children and worked full time, he at UVic and me here at SSE, teaching grade 6 and 7 French Immersion. There were over 400 kids at SSE in 1984: kids on the stage, kids in the library, kids in “closets”. We had some relief when Fulford opened! While the community grew, I went into administration as a VP and then became GISS Principal from 1998 until 2006. It was absolutely my favourite job of all. Those were some glorious years with superb teaching and support staff and incredible results by students. I was unsuccessful when I applied for the Superintendent job here in 2006, but 3 weeks later Saanich called, and I became Assistant Superintendent and then Superintendent there until “semi” retirement in 2015. Going to SD63 was the best decision I ever made. My mentors were the 4 most brilliant and accomplished educators and finance minds in BC. My responsibilities included oversight of middle and secondary, the achievement agenda, school safety, the international program, evaluation of Principals, and more. And of course, I was present at Board meetings for 8 years, some so long that we had to turn the midnight alarm off. I made a sudden decision to retire, as I wanted to spend time with my 92 year old father in his last few months and do consulting work in education, which I still do. I ran for trustee here, was elected, and enjoyed working with a great team for 4 years. We created a long-needed Strategic Plan, instituted processes for Principals to showcase their schools, tidied up and modernized policies. And, we were civil people. I advocated for a reconfiguration consultation long before it was finally initiated and feel some degree of relief that the process was finally completed. I didn’t run last term for trustee as I had family move here to SSI and I wanted to spend time with my first grandson. Now he’s in school!! So here I go again….you can’t get rid of me.

What brought you to the area?

I came to Salt Spring as a teenager in the 70’s because a friend of mine had a place on North End Rd. I also had a job as a counselor at a children’s camp. Believe it or not, my high school basketball team played a game here against GISS! I loved everything about this place. I was drawn to the island’s beauty, the sheep in fields, its magical spaces, like Ruckle Park. At first, when we started building our home, I loved that our children were in heaven here, free to roam and always outside. They still talk about growing up on SSI, their education, and have lifelong friendships and memories. My youngest can still do impressions of many of her GISS teachers, in a kindly way …haha. More importantly they ALWAYS say they come from Salt Spring Island when asked, because the reaction is so positive. “Wow, paradise”. We should not be so critical of our little gem!

What one thing about Salt Spring would you tell someone who has never visited the island?

I would tell them about its beauty and warn them about the ferries. I would tell them we have great services (hospital, shops) but warn them that the location of many services change so be careful. I would tell them that in the 70’s this was cottage country. Now it’s, well, the opposite. I would tell them that there is grade 7 now in Fulford because SIMS is closed due to declining enrolment. So please, if you come, bring children

If you could change one thing about Salt Spring, what would you change?

I will stick my neck out here and say something about what I know best: public education. I would love to change the perception, especially here in the Gulf Islands, that public education isn’t good enough, that anything alternative is better. We need to showcase the successes of our student population in the public system. Children need exposure to a broad spectrum of educational and personal experiences. And yes, to be challenged, sometimes to struggle and to succeed in an area that suits them best. You have to do some math and you have to be literate. And the school system can help you with transition to a career. I quietly smile when I meet former students, even those who struggled. They are always thankful. They are linemen, teachers, scientists, lawyers, plumbers, business owners, pilots and horticulturists. I could go on. I actually want to do some data on that! Once, a student at GISS took the engine out of his truck in the school parking lot and the maintenance people got mad. VP Neill Armitage and I stood there thinking……wow, sign him up!

Which well-known person, living or dead, do you think would be a good addition to the island?

David Suzuki. With his letter from King Charles III.

What do you think the number one community issue on Salt Spring Island is right now?

If you have to ask me this after all the above I will say the speed bumps and treacherous road conditions. Housing of course but there’s not enough paper to comment on it. I want the education system to soar again, be relevant, modern and dynamic. We’ve had a pandemic, there’s a war and a climate crisis. Kids need feel hope because they have to pick up the pieces. I want to make sure they have the skills and determination to do that.

Which elected position are you seeking?

School Trustee, Board of Education, SD64

Why should Salt Springers vote for you?

For all of the above and because I am honest, rational and hardworking. I see the big picture and I understand the system enough to know its limitations. I think I bring knowledge and common sense and I love solving problems. Not all trustees need to be educators. But it is very helpful to have one. It's helpful to understand the complexities of the funding allocations, the collective agreements, the staffing. I have hands on experience with indigenous communities developing and growing programs with them, so I know the need for continued support in this area. Salt Springers deserve to have a thoughtful, non-confrontational, professional Board and I believe we can have that. I'd like to be part of it.

Is there a really good interview question we should have asked you?

How old are you?

How would you have answered your question?

67