Cory-lee Mills had to learn fast how to advocate for her children. Now she wants to expand that advocacy for the good of all children in School District 53.
The mother of three kids is seeking a seat as an Oliver school trustee on the local board of education.
“I truly believe being educated and informed on issues that pertain to our children’s education is key as they are future contributing members of our local and global community.”
Mills has been president of the Parents Advisory Council for Oliver Elementary for the past four years
In this position, she was a liaison for parents and students in the school, and helped to facilitate relationships with those parents and the school administration.
She led monthly meetings and organized information sessions for parents to attend, including anti-bullying, Internet awareness for parents, and supporting children’s learning.
Mills moved to Oliver six years ago from Alberta. Prior to moving here, she ran a day home, and since then has had the honour of being a homemaker and actively involved mother.
She is passionate about her children’s education and her own as she is currently a student taking courses towards a business management diploma.
“I love learning and sharing my knowledge with those I can,” Mills pointed out.
When her third child was born with medical disabilities, she quickly had to learn how to be an advocate for her children, just to manoeuvre in the health care system. That also taught her the skills to advocate for her children in the educational system as well.
Mills teaches catechism at Christ the King Catholic Church, and loves the interaction she has with her students because it allows her to participate in their process of learning.
She attended school board meetings on behalf of parents, and at times presented and questioned processes such as the Team Inquiry Time model and professional development days.
Mills also attended the full process for the school district’s visioning sessions that occurred last year.
In addition, she attended school board budget meetings and learning forums held in the district, as well as information sessions regarding the BC Education Plan.
“Being a part of these meetings and processes have helped me to develop a working relationship with the school board and administrators as well as the teachers. I have not only tried to know about what is happening in our school system, but I want to be able to understand it, so that I can effectively relay information to parents.”
Mills believes there is a need for people who are passionate about seeing the school district reach its goals, as well as educating and representing parents and students on the issues that are relevant to education.
“If there is one thing I could accomplish as a trustee, it would be to help make parents and students aware of the challenges and changes that are occurring within our school district, and to advocate our challenges at a provincial level.”
Mills noted American educator and author, Robert M. Hitchens said, “The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives.”
Mills believes it is the responsibility of parents and the larger community to participate in that process in order to ensure the success of each student.
“I am excited for the opportunity to take my participation to the next level as your school board trustee in Oliver for School District 53.”
Cory-lee Mills
