DPAC questions emailed to trustee candidates October 28th, at 8:30pm. Answers received from Eric Depenau November 1st.
1. What do you think is important to parents in the district
I believe that parents want to be involved in their children’s learning, and that parents have excellent advice and suggestions to give that can benefit the district. It’s important for parents to have their voice heard and that their concerns are answered. It’s important for trustees to attend meetings and talk face to face with parent groups.
2. Why are you running for trustee?
I am running for trustee because I care. Education is the foundation that individuals, families, and societies are built upon. Considering the importance of the position, I want to see that people have options when they go to vote. My interest is to ensure that accountable, thoughtful, and tireless representatives are elected to advocate for, and protect our region.
3. What have you done to prepare yourself for the role of trustee?
I have represented students from our region on Provincial and National levels with the Canadian Federation of Students. Currently I serve as the College of New Caledonia’s Student Union Chair Person and as a member of the Colleges Board of Governors. Previously I have sat on the College of New Caledonia’s Student Success and Education Council’s. In these roles I have worked with diverse budgets, unique teams, and groups that are too often forgotten by those who represent them.
4. How will you ensure that the schools in this district are safe and caring places for all students?
I personally want to be a champion within our district; leaders need to lead and role model what we want to see in our communities. I feel a group of individuals making positive examples would be a powerful step as we continue to move toward more accepting and secure schools. Additionally, we need to ensure that the policies and bylaws reflect the environment we want to see in our schools. If there are inconsistencies between our vision and what is “on the books,” then this needs to be fixed.
5. How do you see your role as trustee in relation to the superintendent and staff?
This relationship needs to be managed carefully. We must always work together to do the best we can for the district. There will not always be easy decisions or unanimous agreements on the direction that needs to be taken. We owe it to those who put their faith in us that we will not stop working toward improvements regardless of those disagreements.
6. How will you demonstrate and communicate the accountability and transparency of the school board to parents and to the community?
I want to see confidence rebuilt and strengthened between the community and the school board. To do this, trustee’s will need to be present at community events, meetings and always be available by phone, email or in person to answer questions and take suggestions from whomever is offering their concerns or input.
7. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I am excited to see so many people taking an interest in education; I am glad that folks will have options for who will be representing them in the future. I also want to thank you for reading this; taking the time to learn about the many candidates is extremely important and I thank you for doing it.
http://www.pgfreepress.com/university-student-looks-to-get-on-school-board/
http://www.250news.com/2014/10/11/unbc-student-takes-run-at-school-board/
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