1. - What is the most important issue facing the Board of Education, and how would you propose to deal with it?
The most important issue facing the Board of Education is the rapid growth of the Willoughby slope and how to house students is becoming a problem. It is important to find funds to build schools so families have access to neighbourhood schools. In the planning stages of development, the needs of community and a sustainable plan for the future must be addressed. I would like to be involved in discussions of how to best plan for new schools to fit in with the growing community and to have new schools built to have uses for other community activities.
2. - Should the school district sell surplus school sites to help fund capital projects in Willoughby?
I believe in access to neighbourhood schools. If there are neighbourhoods that have had vacant schools in other areas of Langley for some time, and do not see development in the near future, then those lands could be sold to help with creating new schools in Willoughby.
3. - Is there enough timely communication between the board and the two local governments regarding development and its impact on school population?
There is always room for communication around many issues that have an impact on the children in communities. It is important when looking at the needs of the education of students we sit down with partner groups and discuss how to best accommodate families and their children with adequate infrastructure. Infrastructure that enhances the quality of life for the student, keeping them safe, having them take part in extra curricular activities in around their school community.
4. - What is the best way to deal with class size and composition issues, so that all students get the maximum attention from teachers?
The best way to deal with class size and composition is to have adequate funding handed down by the government and have administrators and teachers best distribute the resources needed in their schools. Every school has their own unique makeup and through proper allocation of funding and leadership it is my hope that every child be given the best chance to learn.