Role of School Board in Student Success

While the Fraser Institutes rankings of our schools can be questioned, the raw test scores and graduation rates that they use are accurate. What do you see as the board’s role to ensure that more of our students graduate with the basic skills needed to be successful.

school board sd52

Janet Beil

Dear Readers:
My name is Janet Beil and I have been your one of your Trustee’s for the past three years. Although I was recently acclaimed for another three year term, I would like to respond to this question. Many of you who know me, know that I am a no-nonsense, speak from the heart person. I truly take my role seriously, and believe I am a strong advocate for both the students, and the dedicated people who spend endless hours teaching them.

I have always stood as a principled individual and understand the many of the fundamental principles we are all faced with. A healthy foundation starts from providing the necessary tools from the get-go for successful achievement in all school districts. Rather than working toward this, however, we continue to see less and less funding to reach these achievements and the foundation that was a little cracked, will finally crumble!

If we fail to engage and work together, the odds are, we will continue to see more students failing to reach their full potential and a continuation of students leaving the system before graduating.

While I do not support the Fraser Institutes methods of reporting, I do see a pattern that is extremely disturbing to me, and that is that the statistics still remain high in achieving our success. With a continued downturn in our economy, less money for necessities, we all have a daunting job ahead of us to ensure a better future for our young learns.

In closing, I am hoping that my fellow trustees, who ever they may be will share in my sediments and work with all our stakeholders to ensure that we are the leaders in our province and school districts.

Thanks for taking the time to listen!

Sincerely,

Janet
Janet Beil

Sorry folks, meant to say sentiment!
Anonymous

Thanks for being the first to comment on the new site, Janet. You have my vote
Mbowles

Our school staff do an outstanding job of working with all students who come through our school doors. Early Development Indicators (EDI) show many of our students are starting their schooling in a deficit position. We also know that an amazing number of these students are getting closer to their grade levels as they progress through their education; in spite of ever decreasing resources. Let’s look at what we are doing right and build on those factors, while we also continue to work to eliminate the negative factors.
As for the Fraser Institute rankings and standardized testing used for that ranking, even though the tests have been shown as bogus time and again, our current management team still demands them and our current Board members have gone along with it, no matter the presentations and evidence to the contrary.
Brian Johnson

The Board of Trustees have to be knowledgable of the challenges that many children and families deal with in our community. Trustees must also be well aware of programs and anitiatives that are in place to improve chances of success for our students.

Our Teachers work hard for our students and I do ackowledge the incredible work that they do. I did see positive growth in our vulnerable kids while being a Trustee.

It does concern me that we have the highest percentage rate of vulnerable children than any where else in the Province. The Fraser Institute does not include this in their report so I always chose to look at our work and successes.

Lack of money in education is an issue…..not an excuse. The Board allocates that money while dealing with the budgets. There is no shortage of Special Ed Teachers…..Many are unemployed when they could be helping our kids. Earlier intervention is required for many pre-kindergarten children. Working with licenced daycare and preschool operations is required. I would also like to see our School Board looking at the possibilities of developing and instructing preschool children in our schools.

Just a few of my thoughts on this issue.
Great question.
Sam Robinson

Having grown up and graduated high school here in Prince Rupert way back when, I have had my children in the school system and one still in elementary locally. Even though I did graduate high school, I had every opportunity to accomplish more or be successful. I studied a year and a half Physical Education. A year Recreation and thirteen weeks to obtain a navigation ticket through the MOT. Unfortunately none of this is good enough to land myself full time employment. Over the years I have noticed quite a change with the young ones and the system. Unfortunately the graduation ratio amongst the native students has not changed much as well, or has gotten even worse. Having said that, we come to the issue of bullying or torment in the system. In all my dealings with the trustees, the board, principals, vice principals, teachers and native and non native councillors. I always hit a dead end with everyone them and myself and our children leave feeling frustrated and dusgusted. You sit there in the postions the people voted you in and do nothing for native students when they are been bullyied or tormented by a teacher(s). Other than taking a stand on funding or school closures and what not. I ask each and every candidate running for the board and trustees. Why does this code of silence even exist in the system when it comes to native children? Do not sit there, like everyone in the system usually does, and down play the actions of the bully or teacher. I want to know your stand on this disturbing issue and what you propose to do about it. The system and our local native educaters are sitting there trying to figure out why our students are failing at an alarming rate. After witnessing and dealing with the system over the years, I see the system as been part of the failure in alot of ways. This is why we have alot of our children walking the streets, no identity and no employment. Please do not be offended but professional in what I am adressing and asking of each and everyone of you candidates. Thank you, Sam Robinson.
Anonymous

My bad, that is disgusted. I am disgusted that I misspelled disgusted. Laughing.
Brian Johnson

Hi Sam
There is Zero tolerence in regards to bullying within the school district. I was on the receiving end of bullying when I went to school but must add that the bullying started outside of school time.
I remember a police officer on the news, asking people to come forward and make a report to proper law officials. This officer was investigating a suicide of a student who was being bullied.
Most victims being bullied rarely come forward for fear of being a “snitch”.
The RCMP and community organizations can educate staff and students on rights and identifying bullying. Prevention is better than a cure.
I did look into a few cases of bullying when I was a Trustee…. I can assure you that these cases were addressed and dealt with in an appropriate manner.
I do not tolerate bullying.
The issue of 1st Nations graduation numbers is a complex issue. I am a Nisga’a citizen and am very aware of our peoples challenges. I’m available if you wish to sit down with me. Call me at 250 600 1959 and I will make time to listen to your concerns.

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Role of School Board in Student Success

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