Re-election statement · Salt Spring Island trustee

I am committed to:

• Providing professional and accountable governance of our district
• Contributing collaboratively — building positive relationships of trust and trustworthiness with all partners — and supporting education for all our students
• Ensuring sustainability for our district in support of staff, students and our community
• Modelling relational care and diplomacy in action

School board trustees hold a unique role in the governance and oversight of a district. They are not responsible for curriculum development or day-to-day operations. Their responsibilities are to hire and oversee the superintendent, approve the strategic direction, set policy and ensure a balanced budget.

The Gulf Islands school board (SD64) is made up of seven trustees. Four have already been acclaimed from Mayne, Galiano, Pender and Saturna. I am seeking re-election here on Salt Spring after eight years of service as an SD64 trustee, to continue contributing collaboratively — building positive relationships of trust and trustworthiness with all partners — and supporting education for all our students.

There is more work to do

I am proud to have been a part of establishing our current strategic direction and look forward to continuing the work of putting it into action. Our school district is experiencing declining enrollment, as predicted, and this next four-year term will be critical to ensuring a balanced budget that is also stable into the future.

Our graduation rates are high — higher than the provincial averages. We offer unique programming, and we are fortunate to operate in one of the most beautiful places on earth, something to be grateful for. And there is more work to do.

Our students' sense of belonging has dropped, and there are additional supports needed to build confidence early in numeracy and literacy. I am running again because I believe I have a great deal to offer from the knowledge I have gained over the last eight years, and from my relational approach. I am able to be effective and efficient because I know how the system works. I believe that my contribution to a healthy board will positively benefit outcomes for students.

Being a good leader

I reflect often on what it means to truly be a good leader. I am keenly aware that our youth are influenced by how adults behave, not just by what they say. I want our students to witness adults modelling relational care and diplomacy in our leadership roles.

I want them to imagine themselves as tomorrow's leaders, because the governance space is full of passionate dialogue conducted in a respectful manner. I want the social-emotional curriculum they engage in to translate into the compassionate adult culture that I have been part of upholding.

A bit about me

I am a mother of two young adults (19 and 26 years old), and my partner is David Norget. I operate a small home-based massage and hair styling studio, while still making time for my ceramic hobby.

I volunteer as chair on the Transition Salt Spring board and the Cedar Lane water commission, and I am an Emergency POD coordinator. I donate massage treatments to the Mental Wellness Initiative and give free haircuts to those living at Drake Road supportive housing. I care deeply about our community, and I am committed to contributing to a healthy, thriving and resilient society.

The next Board of Trustees

I am thankful for everyone putting their name forward. Three trustees from Salt Spring will be elected to join the board. I recognize the good work I have witnessed and experienced with Clare Hoffman and John Whitelaw in their work with Parent Advisory Councils in the schools, and I feel confident that they will bring a positive and professional manner to their work as trustees.

Authorized by Tisha Boulter acting as her own financial agent. tishactm@gmail.com