Budgeting and Governance: We need to be fiscally responsible with the limited amount of funds available and ensure that classrooms are the primary focus.

The Voice of Youth and Parents: I know that students have many ideas and thoughts on what is working and what is not working in the education system and their voice should be valued. I would like to see a student trustee elected by students to participate in the decision making process, similar to what has existed in the Vancouver School District. I have worked with many parents over the years and they know their children the best. The school board needs to continue to be transparent and work with school and the District Pac's to ensure that parents are being heard.

Climate Change I support the Environmental Stewartship and Sustainability Action Plan. Continuing the expansion of outdoor education programs and gardens at school connects to our appreciation of where we live and a respect for our land

Reconciliation: We need to continue the journey of Syeytsus "walking together" in this process of healing. Senior management, administrators and the board have done considerable work in reconciliation but school staff need to be provided more opportunities to learn about indigneous history and how they can implement indigneous ways of knowing, being and learning.

Mental Health: There has never been more need for mental health supports in the school system. I will continue to advocate for more child and youth care workers in schools and an increase in school counsellors. School counsellors should be focussing exclusively on working with students, not having to teach on top of their counselling position.

Facilities: We have a growing population. I would like to continue to press the provincial government to release capital funding so we can focus on building a new highschool in Nanaimo to replace NDSS as well as a new elementary school in Ladysmith. We also need to open Rutherford school to ease the burgeoning school populations in the north end of Nanaimo.