CANDIDATE PROFILE: Deb Piggin

What do you think is the biggest issue facing SD73 and how would you use your elected position to address it?

I believe that the biggest issue currently facing SD73 is its image and how the community views the district. There have been challenges over the past couple of years with finance issues, leadership changes, and an overall public questioning in terms of trust. We need to work on communication and transparency, sharing as much as we are able in terms of direction and planning. We are in the business of teaching and learning, and this needs to extend to teaching the community about what a school board and its executive staff does, how all the parts work together, from the board to the board office to the schools and classrooms. While doing this, we need to continue to advocate for all of the students, we need to continue developing and supporting programs to support them, and we need to continue to push the provincial government for increased financial support and more classroom space.

What do you think is the biggest issue facing students and how would you address it?

I believe that one of the biggest challenges currently facing students is being supported to meet their very diverse needs, academically, socially, and emotionally. It is a very complex issue to ensure that resources, staffing, and space are in place so that each student can find success in school, and have a positive experience while doing so. This is a monumental task, as every single classroom has a wide range of abilities and needs. If elected, I will remain dedicated to the students, supporting and sustaining programs, finances, and space that encourage their educational and social/emotional development. We need to make sure researched-based programs are used and supported consistently over time, we need to advocate for sufficient support in schools and classrooms, and we need to continue urging the government to fund new schools to create effective learning spaces for all children.

What are your thoughts on communication between SD73, its schools and the region’s residents? As a trustee, would you speak to your votes and decisions on the record?

As a trustee, it is important to be aware that governance, policies and procedures play a role in what can be shared out to the public and these need to be respected in all dealings with the wide variety of people and groups involved in a large corporation like the school district, but I believe there can be room for improvement in overall communication. To build trust, we will need to be transparent and send out information clearly and efficiently so that schools and their communities are provided a solid understanding of what is happening in all areas of our district. As an individual, I am an honest person and, as a trustee, it is my intention to share my thinking and my decision-making processes whenever possible.

Following a term highlighted by allegations of bullying and harassment by its former superintendent and a $2.2 million budget shortfall, how would you use your position to bring stability to the school district?

I would use my position to help bring stability to the school district through communication. I have a great deal of experience and knowledge to share, and I am fully invested in public education. Using my background knowledge would help me to make informed decisions and share them with other board members. I would continue this passion by being completely present at all meetings and events, and by building connections with schools and their communities.

Why should residents give you their vote?

You should vote for me because of my lifelong commitment to Kamloops and the schools within this city. I have dedicated a great deal of my life to education and learning and would like to continue to do so in a new way. I believe in the public school system and want to contribute to an organization that continues to improve and give the students of Kamloops the positive experience that I know is possible.

by CFJC Today

CANDIDATE PROFILE: Deb Piggin

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