MEET THE ANDIDATE

11 people chase school board, RD seats here

WHEN VOTERS go into the booth on Satur- day, Noy. 16 they’ll be forced to choose from a long list of names.

In all, nine candidates are running for the Ter- tace and Thornhill seats on the new amalgamated Coast Mountain School District.

And two more are seeking the Thornhill chair on the Kitimat-Stikine Regional District board,

Here are profiles and statements from each of the local school board and regional district candi- dates to help you decide who to mark the X for when the time comes.

The seven candidates for the three Terrace scats on school board are on this page.

The two candidates for the Thornhill seat on school board, plus the two candidates for the Thomhill regional district director’s seat, are on

Page Ab.

Also on Thursday night, Oct, 24th, the candi- dates om these pages will be on stage at the R.E.M. Lee Theatre to answer your questions.

The all candidates forum, which starts at 7:00 p.m., is organized by the Standard in conjunction with the Terrace Times and Skeena Broadcasters,

Gordon Oates will be the moderator, and voluntecrs from Terrace Toastmasters are assist- ing.

The format will allow for both written questions from the audience, questions from a media panel, and questions from people at open mictophones.

Everyone’s welcome to attend. If you aren't able to be there, Cable 10 volunteers plan to broadcast the forum live on the local community channel,

STEW CHRISTENSEN Terrace trustee

The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, October 23, 1996 - AS

MARJ BROWN Terrace trustee

~

Marj Brown is looking for

a more open school board

. Structure, which she says would lead to a qreater respect for a variety of opinions. —

She thinks there should be financial accountability at every level, including the schools,

Brown is in favour of an open bidding process to select a new superiniend- ent, and says there are alter- natives to expensive severance packages.

a Age: 49. In Terrace for six years. Moved here from Hazelton.

@ Occupation: Ex-teacher.

gm Family: Three children - one is age 12, the other age 16, and the third is at UBC. They are First Nations students, and have been in French immersion and the gifted program.

@ Organizations: Parent Advisory Committees for last 10-12 years in Hazelton and Terrace. Headed Terrace district PAC in 93/94. President of Ksan Housing Society.

Marj Brown

Statement:

Since moving to Terrace in 1989 [ have been an executive member with Parent Advisory Councils and the Ksan Housing Society. My. jobs included: fundraising, organizing special events, lobbying school board committees and Serving on school accreditation committecs,

T have ittended provincial confer- ences an youth violence and secondary schools. This exposure at these confer- ences enabled me to learn about our school sysiem, changes in curriculum, the budget and the fiscal framework, mainstreaming of special needs students and insight as to how other districts are rum.

I believe in a community approach to problems affecting students, a con- sullative decision making model and tesponsible use of education resources to give full tax dollar value.

My goals are: quality education for al! students, a common vision with all partner groups and one unified district with respect and equal treatment for everyone,

With innovalive management, we can build a strong, successful school district:

5 MAE DERRICK Terrace trustee

Getting past amalgamation, and focussing on the needs of the students fs top priority for Stew Christensen. He's run- ning for a 4th term as trustee.

Christensen wants to keep Terrace's superintendent as the CEO of the new district, and says it doesn't make sense to pay out big severance costs, when the contract of Kitimat’s acting superintendent expires in just over a month.

@ Age: 54 years. Lived here most of the last 20 years.

m@ Occupation: Director of Engineering for the city of Terrace for over 9 years. Worked 22 years for highways ministry.

@ Family: Wife Marilynn is a homemaker. Two sons have both gone through school sys- tem here. Now wants grandchildren to have best possible education.

mg Organizations: Chair of the Skeena Union Board of Health. Member of Rotary Club. Elder at the Evangelical Free Church.

‘Stew Christensen

Statement:

| am prepared to take a ) strong stand toward ensuring the excellence in programs established in School District 88 are maintained.

We will have to do this despite a $1.6 million reduction in our budget next year,

1 will continue to take leadership in the very difficult task of amalga- mation and this will require us to review and possibly reorganize our administrative structure.

We must have cooperation of all communities to put students’ welfare first in all decisions. The communi- ties have requested a more open and a consultative approach and | will work

toward having all commiitee meet- ings open to the public.

‘Twill continue to work with stakeholders on a consultative decision-making process.

We have made good progress on Fist Nations initiatives and [ will continue to support local edu- cation agreements and monitoring of 1:31 funds, ©

For these reasons I seek your support on Nov. 16.

r

Mae Derrick is seeking a first term as a trustee. She wants to help create an open and accessible board, with as much com- munity involvement as possible.

Derrick is in favour of a consensus-styie approach to decision making.

m Age: 44 years. Lived in Terrace for seven years and in the northwest for 22.

m Occupation: First Nations Coordinator at NWCC. Was Gitanyow band

Statement: oo

As a board member [ would:

1. Bring nearly 20 years experience in boards, committees and various positions within education systems, and perspec- tives drawn from these experiences,

2. Actively work to achieve a more open and accessible decision-making pro- cess within the school beard structures,

3. Keep school construction in Terrace a major priority and ensure consultation.

4, Conlinuc to work in the area of First Nations education.

5. Promote the value of second lan- guage experience. { am willing to work on Simalgax and heritage language policy,

manager. Taught cultural awareness at elementary school level.

m@ Family: Married to Elmer. Has three child- ren, one at Clarence Michiel, one at Caledonia and one at UNBC.

@ Organizations: Gitanyow band council,

Gitanyow Independent School boafd: Former « “ -. wends which itnpact the education system: <i)‘:

board member of Terrace daycare.céntre and Terrace Child Development Centre. Founding member of First Nations education committee.

Mae Derrick

6. Promote post-secondary cducalion and life-long learning. 7. Work collaboratively with agencies that work with families and pre-school children,

8. Focus on student success and work at leveling the playing ficld to make success a reality for all children.

‘9; Be ‘aware of technological and “economic

10. Encourage all-parents to be involved in the education of their children.

JOHN JENSEN | Terrace trustee

ROGER LECLERC Terrace trustee

John Jensen sees a time of opportunity with the combining of the two boards. He’s seeking eiec- tion because he hasn't been “total- ly pleased” with the current board.

One of his strongest assets is his negotiating skilis, he says, and he has a very good understanding of labour law and collective agreements.

He hopes to be able to serve the community through his work on the board, if elected,

@ Age: 66 years. Lived in Terrace for 95 years.

m Occupation: Retired iast year as. business agent for Carpenter’s Union. Taught labour studies at NWCC,

B Organizations: Very active in Carpenter's Union — was vice-presi- dent at the provincial level. Long time President of NW Carpenter's Union District Council, President of the Kitimat-Terrace labour council for approx. 15 years. Charter member of the Terraceview committee.

John Jensen

Statement:

Tam secking the office of trustee, believing that it is time for me to start paying back tc the community thal gave me and my family a good living and was a won- derful place to raise children.

If elected I will bring to the position of trustee 35 years of experience in negotiations, problem solving and commit- tee work.

T have a proven record of being able to work with people of different opinions from oth- er communities, while being cognizant of whom [ represent.

My commitment to a scheol board that is open and transpar- ent is absolutg. No closed door meetings, no “wiser than cve- ryone else” attitude. Rather J will strive to find new ways and vehicles allowing input and advice from students, parents, icachers and administration.

LAURIE MITCHELL Terrace trustee

Roger Leclerc is running for a second term as trustee. He wants to continue working on projects he's started, such as a communica- tions committee. This committee would be an open forum for all sta- keholder groups to deal with issues specific to individual schools.

He’s concerned about a reduc- tion In the joint budget of the new district, and wants to minimize the Impact it will have on students.

Lecterc also wants to work on improving the quality of education.

m@ Age: 46 years. Born in Terrace, lived here most of his life.

_ Hf Occupation: Manager at Interconnect for last five years. Owned business for 15 years. Also worked for labour market committee and at extension ser- vices at NWCC.

mi Family: Married to Carol. Have two child- ren at Skeena and one at Veritas.

m Organizations: Served one term on school board, and four years on the Veritas (Catholic Church} school board. Was chair of Veritas board for two years.

Roger Leclerc

Statement:

I'm interested in running for the school board for a second term in office because [ believe there js a real need to work on student success within the school system. It is very important that all students have an equal opportunity for suc- cessful completion of their education.

I feel that there are new challenges with amalgamation and I could contribute to a smoother transition by bringing in my past experiences.

In the past [ have been involved in promoting more open communication within the scheol district and the community and would like to sec this continue.

It is very important that the new school board have trustees with experience who are open and willing to work with the schools and communily to improve the quality of life for our students.

On Nov. 16 vote for somcone who will work for you, vote Roger Leclerc,

HAL STEDHAM Terrace trustee

Laurie Mitchell Is seeking a third term as trustee. She thinks high school students should have access to a higher level of skills training, and more appren- ticeship programs.

She’s hoping the new board can focus more on what's gaod for kids, and less on “‘in-fighting between the grownups.”

Mitcheli says there’s been enough change in the schools changes to provincial bargain- ing, the curriculum and now amalgamation. She wants to

Statement:

I believe “the kids come first!”’

I understand that all students have different strengths and weak- nesses, therefore, we must provide them with the best possible learn- ing environment while remaining fiscally responsible,

Trustees need to help create and maintain stability in the sys- tem, to improve overall literacy and numeracy skills and lo encour- age students to stay In schoo! which is a safe and caring learning environment, that understands the

keep Terrace’s superintendent since he understands the dynamics of the area, and could help ensure a smooth transition.

mw Age: 35 years. Lived in Terrace since the late 1970s.

Occupation: Automotive accountant. Owned bookkeeping firm.

@ Family: Husband Scott, daughter is in grade 11 at Caledonia.

M@ Organizations: Formerly chair of Thomhill Primary PAC,. was involved in Guides and Scouts, and youth bowling.

Laurie Mitchell

needs of the individual student, and recognizes the challenges of the group.

In the next millennium, students will require dif- ferent skills to gain entry into the job matket. They should have the tools which -will help them be pre- pared for further’ education, and training which may not be university,

I believe these goals can be achieved by building stroiger partnerships with the siakeholder groups, and by éncouraging reflective problem solving at all levels through discussion and . collaborative interaction.

A LONG involvement with schools Is what Hal Stedham feels Is his best asset as a trustee. His specialty is improving schools that got a bad rating from the ministry.

Stedham favours a consul- tative style of management, and says the new board should review the perfor- mance of the administration in both Terrace and Kitimat. He's willing to consider an open selection process for superintendent.

@ Age: 54 years. Lived here one year, previously in the Nass

Valley. Hal Stedham

@ Occupation: Principal at Haisla Elementary School in Kitamaat Village. Formerly principal at Nisga'a Elementary- Secondary in New Aiyansh,

M@ Family: Three daughters — one teaching at Skeena and the other two at post-secondary institutions.

m@ Organizations: History as an active coach with school sports, Previously an alder- man in Kettle Vailey,

Statement:

lam running for schoal trustee for the following reasons:

1. My background, credentials and experience as a parent, teacher and adininistraior have prepared me well for this opportunity.

2. [| am pro-student. To clarify: Conditions must be created in schools to alfow students to reach their maxi- munt potential.

3. | believe that to create the ultimate Icarning situation, the best possible teachers must be hired,

4. In my opinion, to function al their maximum Jevel of performance, teachers must have strong leadership and good working conditions,

5, Local talent must be encouraged and developed as master (eachers and future Ieaders,

6 The support and confidence of parents must be earned,

7. In matters that significantly effect a group - the group must have input into the decision making process. ‘To conclude, our goal must be to create the best possibie school disirict. [hope to be able to make a valuable contribution to that process.