It was a hard decision, but one that Oliver school trustee Tamela Edwards had to make.
She is not seeking another term this fall.
“It’s for family reasons. I’m working three jobs, and to do the trustee’s job effectively, I would need more time.”
Edwards said she loves the position as trustee.
“It’s about loving kids and loving the opportunities in education for kids.”
However, she is disheartened to see a culture of conflict between unions and the government.
“It has been exhausting, and the teachers know it has been exhausting. This has been ongoing for decades.”
Edwards said she admires and respects the teachers’ cause by taking a hard stand to force change. But she also believes that parents need to have a voice.
Edwards supported their voice when the board previously considered closing Tuc-el-Nuit Elementary School due to budgetary constraints.
Parents spoke out strongly about that.
“I want parents to advocate for their children. They did what I wanted them to do. Don’t people just want to be heard?”
Edwards acknowledged the “amazing” work done by local Parents Advisory Council (PAC) members.
She noted that these parents have very busy lives but make time to advocate for all children, not just their own.
Edwards pointed out that the fundraising efforts of PAC groups have resulted in new Smartboards in classrooms. She urged more parents to get involved in their local PAC group in order to make their child’s school a better place to learn.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
