The province’s education system is facing many challenges, which is one reason why Rob Zandee from Oliver is seeking re-election as school board trustee.
“I believe that trustees do have a valuable role to play in our education system. Through our boards and the BC School Trustees Association, we are able to bring the voices of our students and parents to the discussion.”
Zandee said the thing that struck him the most in his first term was the scope of the job, and the time commitment required.
“When this is added on top of my regular 60 plus hour week, it can get challenging. Thankfully, I have the support of a very understanding spouse.”
Zandee said he was pleased that School District 53 was able to finish Oliver’s new high school on time and on budget.
“It certainly is and should be a beacon for learning in the South Okanagan. It has capacity for the future and is a fantastic space for learning.”
Zandee said he is also happy about the continued improvement in graduation rates and learning outcomes in students.
“This is what we as trustees, educators and parents all want to work towards for our kids.”
But there are many issues that the board needs to deal with, Zandee pointed out. For example: attracting more students to the district; fleshing out the new BC Education Plan and how it fits with 21st century learning; advocating for appropriate funding levels that keep pace with increases in costs; and most importantly, “we need to make sure that the needs of the kids are being met in order to prepare them for the future.”
Zandee said the province has a huge investment in the education system.
“We all need to work together to make it the best system we can within the fiscal parameters that exist.”
Zandee said health and education spending are roughly two-thirds of the provincial budget, while kindergarten to Grade 12 education spending is approximately 17 per cent of the budget.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
