As the local government election approaches, the Summerland Review is asking questions of the candidates for trustee for the Okanagan Skaha school board.
This week’s question: What qualifies you to be a school trustee?
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Erin Hayman
I believe that there are three main factors that would make me a standout candidate for school trustee.
1. I am both a parent of children within the school system and a taxpayer. I am deeply invested in our children’s education, as well as how funds are being utilized within the school district. Many candidates do not currently have children in school; having a personal investment means that I am one of the thousands of families that are impacted by board decisions.
2. I have worked with boards and councils for the majority of my professional career. I understand the demands this job as school trustee requires and deserves.
3. I care. I want to be your advocate not just a representative. I want to be the voice on the board that you can relate to and trust with these important decisions.
Maureen Harrington
As a business woman I understand how to make hard decisions. As grandmother who has witnessed the suffering of my grandchildren over this past two years, I am ready and willing to advocate for our kids.
Dave Stathers
Summerland, do you want someone with lots of local experience and knowledge as school trustee? Here is my resume:
1. Four years as SD67 trustee
2. Served as board rep on numerous local committees: Parks and Rec Advisory, Downtown Revitalization Task Force, Chamber of Commerce, OSTU Pro-D, SD67 Anti-Racism
3. Recently served on three Parent Advisory Councils: Trout Creek, Summerland Secondary School, Summerland Middle School
4. Taught high school for 30 years, including 28 at Summerland Secondary School
5. Lived in Summerland for three decades
6. Three children attended all Summerland schools
7. Teaching university degree from University of Victoria
8. Broadcasting certificate and eight years as news journalist on Vancouver Island
Linda Van Alphen
I have been representing Summerland as a trustee on the Board of Education in SD 67 Okanagan-Skaha for 20 years. My background is in Advocacy (BCCPAC Advocate), Business (Bookkeeping/Accounting) and Community Economic Development (S.F.U.)
I have held every position on our SD 67 Board of Education, the Thompson Okanagan Branch and am currently appointed to the Teachers Qualification Service and the Framework for Enhancing Student Learning Review team provincially.
As a volunteer/leader in Summerland, I have been a member of many organizations and have created events that have had significance in our community for 34 years).
I believe strongly in advocating for the students in our public education system and making community connections for the benefit of all.
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