The Quesnel Observer asked all SD28 candidates the same four questions. They were limited to 300 words.
Donelly Clement declined to participate, while the remaining 12 candidates provided answers to these questions: A. Can you tell us a bit about yourself? B. What prompted you to run for school board? C. What do you feel are some of the challenges/concerns facing School District 28? D. How do you plan to address those challenges? E. What are a few fun facts about yourself?
A. My name is Tony Goulet - I was born and raised in Quesnel. Married, with two sons also all born and raised in Quesnel. I am currently a trustee and city councillor. I am a proud Métis. Graduated here, left for a year and received a diploma in Business Information Malmanagement. Returned to Quesnel and delivered chips and bread to various businesses in the area.
B. We are at a time for reconciliation and student rights. As a trustee, we must find a balance for every child. We must be able to educate every child who enters a school or facility. We must take into account the changing need within a classroom, on buses, and on playgrounds, and we must fully support all employees in the work they do on a daily basis. The questions that kept coming up for me, was can we as a district continue as status quo?
C. Funding - stable and predictable for our kids. Technology is always changing and the need to be ahead of the change, can be a challenge.
Facilities, how to advocate for funding, if enrollment is not there. Being part of any funding and advocating for a Northern voice, through our governance structure, making sure a rural component is included. Truth and Reconciliation - we need to be proactive, advocating for local content and teachings - one model does not fit all.
D. Advocacy - using our provincial structures British Columbia School Trustee Association (BCSTA) and Northern Interior Branch (NIB) - make our voice heard.
E. I love to jig. Always Smiling. Have a positive attitude. Raised my hand at a Métis meeting, unsure at the time what I was thinking, to become the President of the North Cariboo Métis Association.
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: rebecca.dyok@quesnelobserver.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.