The Penticton Western News will be providing coverage of all candidates in the 2022 municipal election. Each candidate for School District 67 Penticton school trustee has been asked to provide a short bio and answer 3 questions below. James Palanio was chair of the board of education last term. Below are his answers to three questions:
1. The long-term facilities plan will be decided in the term you are elected. If it is determined that the best way to use educational spaces is to close a school, are you in favour of doing that?
I will support the option that best supports student learning and the student experience, we will continue to collect and review information and data needed to determine a solution, be it catchment adjustment, school closures, a combination of both, or none of the above. A viable solution will be one that enhances the student experience
2. What are the most pressing needs within the Okanagan Skaha School District?
I ran four years ago on a platform of changing the culture within the district. I feel we have significantly increased the positive culture and attitude within our district, even through a pandemic, we have people working far more collaboratively than before.
I feel that now that we have a positive culture in the district, we are better able to do the tasks required to reach a decision to create a plan for our facilities that is beneficial for students and efficient and sustainable over the long term.
3. What qualifies you to be a school trustee?
I have considerable governance experience as I have volunteered on many boards over the past two decades, I have experience in leadership roles in my 9-5 day job, combining those with my local knowledge and understanding of our community needs provide me with a unique set of skills and experience that make me an ideal school trustee. I also have 2 children in the district which helps me see decisions from their perspective.
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Trustees Forum Oct. 4
SD67 Okanagan Skaha trustee candidate Forum is being held on Tuesday, Oct. 4 from 7 until 9 p.m. at the IMC Building at 425 Jermyn Avenue. It is presented by CUPE 523 Unit SD67, Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union and Okanagan Skaha DPAC.
Hear trustee candidates speak about their platforms and be asked the hard pressing questions. Everyone is welcome.
The candidates vying for the four seats on the board table are: Shelley Clarke, Kate Hansen, Lynn Kelsey, James Palanio, Barb Sheppard and Tracy Van Raes.
READ MORE: Crime, housing and bike lanes key issues
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