One empty qathet School District (qSD) trustee seat will be filled this month. Eligible voters can cast their ballot for a preferred candidate in the upcoming by-election on April 12.
As per tradition, qathet Teachers' Association (qTA) sponsored a qSD trustee candidate forum, which was held at Brooks Secondary School library on April 1.
The forum, moderated by Brooks teacher Jonathan Dyck, saw both contenders, Gretchen Conti and Guy Chartier, present a case in front of the audience as to why they would make the best choice to be a trustee.
Dyck asked candidates from a bank, some pre-submitted questions and questions were received from the audience.
Chartier is currently executive director of qathet Division of Family Practice and has spent more than a decade teaching physical education. He also had an opportunity to work as an education assistant for qSD.
Conti is currently an education assistant with qSD, a member of the Westview Parental Advisory Council (PAC) and Westview representative for the District PAC (DPAC).
Chartier focused on the many practical workings of the role of a trustee, such as the best way to implement the 2023 to 2028 strategic plan, overseeing financial decisions, and setting policies and employing staff to ensure effective operations. He emphasized that one of the main roles of a trustee is to support and hold the superintendent accountable for strategic plans implementation.
"This is very exciting for this community," said Chartier. “Paul Mackenzie is just joining us [as superintendent of schools] as of April and this is the person who actually makes things happen."
Conti said the current school board has created a progressive and responsive strategic plan.
"The role of a trustee is to support the strategic plan, listen to school and community concerns, advocate for educational needs, collaborate with partner groups and build consensus on the board to serve the best interest of all students," said Conti.
The following are a some of the questions asked at the forum:
Why are you running for the position of trustee?
Conti: “I feel I am well positioned for the job. My work on PAC and DPAC have given me opportunities to participate in conversations about policy. Working for qSD as an EA has allowed me to build relationships with principals, teachers and EAs, as well as clerical staff, custodial staff, bus drivers, maintenance, students and families.
“I understand their daily challenges and have an idea of the many considerations that go into a decision. This understanding will make me an effective communicator and will help me find common ground when diverse interests are involved.”
Chartier: “I believe that an effective board of education leads to a strong and resilient school district, fulfilled and dedicated employees and, ultimately, a positive and nurturing environment for students. I am therefore excited about the prospect of contributing my knowledge and skills to upholding the promise of public education in our community.”
What do you see that needs improvement in the district?
Chartier: “From a board of education perspective, it seems as if our areas of improvements are: recruitment and retention of staff to ensure not only that we have enough qualified staff but that we have the best possible match between student needs and staff competencies; long range facilities plan to ensure we have school facilities that are addressing the issues related to overcapacity and aging buildings; inclusive education to ensure every student can succeed, irrespective of aptitude, ability and background.”
Conti: “Despite the hard work and dedication of skilled educators, some students are being left behind. There is a lot of work being done at the primary level to ensure students master foundational skills in math, reading and writing.
“However, there are still students at the intermediate and secondary levels who struggle. Creating programs, increasing funding and adding more staff to work with these students is key to ensuring that not only the vulnerable students get meaningful education, but also that all students feel challenged and supported in their education.”
What processes could trustees put in place to ensure that money is kept as close to students and classrooms as possible?
Conti: “We should continue to implement cost-benefit analysis for existing and proposed programs, policies and projects. Systematically reviewing expenditures to determine if the benefits justify the expense is paramount to ensuring that money is spent wisely and with purpose.”
Chartier: “One of the most important roles of trustees is to connect strategic priorities and finances through the establishment of the school district’s annual budget. For the school year 2024 to 25, the amended annual budget, which was $54.4 million, allocated 81 per cent to instruction, five per cent to district administration, 12 per cent to operations/maintenance and two per cent to transportation and housing.
“It would be valuable for trustees to demonstrate the connection between its six priorities [ethics of learning, curiosity, connection, self-determination, truth and reconciliation, integrity and responsibility] and the budget allocations.”
What do you see as the strengths of the district?
Chartier: “From a board of education perspective, it seems as if our strengths are: approved a strategic plan for 2023-28, which includes a commitment to truth and reconciliation, effective inclusive education and excellence in literacy/numeracy instruction; conducted a major board policy review in 2024/25; hired a new superintendent who will be starting in April 2025.”
Conti: “The individuals who work hard to build relationships and provide a meaningful education for students are the district’s greatest strength. We also have a strong strategic plan that supports and highlights Indigenous voices and works to decolonize public education. The strategic plan prioritizes safety and inclusion for all students regardless of ability, culture, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.
“I support the Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability Action Plan, which lays out concrete steps that the district can take to improve our environmental footprint and lead by example. I’d also like to highlight the current programs in the district that promote student agency, like the EcoTeams, the Gender and Sexuality Alliance, and Brooks band and choir.”
General voting in the by-election will be open to qualified electors of qSD on Saturday, April 12, between 8 am and 8 pm at the school board office, located at 4351 Ontario Avenue.
Advance voting will be open to qualified electors on Wednesday, April 9, from 8 am and 8 pm, also at the school board office.
For more information about the candidates, go to gretchenconti4trustee.ca and guychartier.ca.
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