Name: Catherine Morley
Age: 30
Occupation: certified dental assistant
Why are you running for school trustee?
It is difficult to criticize a board's decisions when I do not understand the choices and debates that led them there. So I want to make myself part of the decision-making process so I can influence the decisions made in our district to reflect those of the public and parents.
What three priorities are important to you and how do you plan to tackle these issues, if elected?
My No. 1 priority is child poverty and how this affects the learning of children; if elected, I would donate my paycheck every six months to a different school with a high percent of low-income families to subsidize the breakfast and lunch programs.
Space in French immersion. I would look at the policies around the lottery and how to make more spaces available for the high demand.
Setting a more professional atmosphere in the schools while meeting the minimum instructional minutes set out by the province by ensuring the teachers are getting adequate professional training that doesn't infringe on the children's time with the teacher.
How do you plan to work toward a balanced school district budget?
Reviewing what the largest expenses are in the district and investigating if they can be meet in any less expensive ways. Also reviewing what assets are currently no longer needed and can be turned into funds to benefit the district's goals.
What do you think it takes to be an education leader in Nanaimo-Ladysmith? Describe your leadership or co-working style.
I think a passion for public education is needed as well as a belief that it works and is needed for strong communities and successful people. I believe education is the key to success, the road out of poverty and the foundation for tomorrow's society. I believe to really make quality of education take the front stage, the board needs to work as a team in making decisions affecting district policy and listen to every board member's point of view.