DPAC questions emailed to trustee candidates October 28th, at 8:30pm. Answers received from Tony Cable November 5th

1.) What do you think is important to parents in the district?
Parents want their children to enjoy school in a safe and welcoming environment. They would like their children to work with caring teachers and staff that give the personal touch. Effective, knowledgeable teachers who can teach the curriculum in an interesting, stimulating manner. School programs that encourage the students to want to come to school. School spirit days, sports, cultural events, music, all add the spice to the school. Parents also want to work with staffs that are open and honest and are willing to communicate between the school and home and home and school.
2.) Why are you running for trustee?
After working in School District #57 for thirty-five years, I feel I have the experience and strong working knowledge of how our school district works. I want to give back to my community and work cooperatively with the school district staff and other trustees to continue to advocate for the students and teachers in our district. I feel with my background I can ask the important questions, deal with the complex funding issues, and continue to direct more funds to the classrooms and the students. I will advocate for students, parents and teachers because education matters.
3.) What have you done to prepare yourself for the role of trustee?
I feel my work and volunteer experience over the last forty years has prepared me very well for the role of trustee. My experiences include being a Principal at Westwood Elementary, College Heights Elementary, Hart Highlands Elementary, Mackenzie Elementary, and Mountain View Elementary schools and a Vice Principal/Teacher at three elementary schools in Prince George. I have worked for Elections BC as a District Electoral Officer and a Practicum Supervisor at UNBC. I have been active in numerous volunteer activities. I was the President of the Prince George Administrators Association and a Director on the Board of the British Columbia Principal’s and Vice Principal’s Association. I am presently Chair of the Sport Committee for the 2015 Canada Winter Games, Chair of the Great White North Lacrosse Commission in Northern British Columbia, 2015 Winter Games Torchbearer, and city tour guide for the Chamber of Commerce. I have enjoyed working with numerous Parent advisory groups at the nine different schools. We have worked very hard to raise funds and tackle numerous educational issues.
4.) How will you ensure that the schools in this district are safe and caring places for students?
Safe and Caring schools have many components:
-Strong and caring school staffs
-Anti bullying and Code of Conduct policies in place and effectively followed
– Health procedures and allergy policies in place and strictly followed
– Effective communication back and forth from school

– Acceptance of special needs students, LGBTQ students, and other diversities

– Curriculum that supports safe and caring schools

5.) How do you see your role as trustee in relation to the superintendent and staff?
The Board of Trustees are the employer of the Superintendent, senior administration and school staff.
It is very important for the board to work closely and cooperatively with the Superintendent so he and the district staff can look after the daily running of the district.
The board must not, as they say, play with the trains however, the board needs to constantly review policy and be aware of all the operational needs of the district.
One of the most important jobs of the board is to hire the Superintendent and develop policies for the hiring of all other staff in the district.
Tough complex questions need to be asked to make sure that the board has a clear understanding of what is happening in the district.
The board must constantly seek out information and comments from all stakeholder groups especially DPAC.

6.) How will you demonstrate and communicate the accountability and transparency of the school board to parents and to the community?
Transparency implies openness, communication, and accountability. Transparency is operating in such a way that it is easy for all stakeholders to see what actions are being performed. As a school principal and teacher I have always had an open door policy. Parents, students and staff were always welcome to discuss issues and concerns with me. I had a close relationship with the school Parent Advisory councils and we consulted on a variety of issues and they were always a great sounding board. If I am elected as a school trustee I will encourage all stakeholders and groups to contact me via phone, email or in person. I want the school board meetings to be open, honest and definitely transparent. I will try and limit the number of in camera meetings.

7.) Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I believe with my educational experience and background I could be an effective school trustee. I am not running on one issue or platform I wish to have a balanced approach and represent the views and aspirations of various groups. I believe in safe schools, utilizing updated technology, where special needs students are supported and all areas of the district are represented from Hixon to Beaverly to Valemount.
It is easy to make statements but I feel I have walked the walk and worked very hard to support parents and schools and will do the same as a trustee.

http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/news/local-news/retired-educator-wants-board-spot-1.1421959

http://www.pgfreepress.com/tony-cable-wants-to-see-balanced-approach-from-school-board/