CANDIDATE PROFILES: Tri-County Regional School Board

The Yarmouth Vanguard sent letters to all of the candidates who are running in the Oct. 18 school board election and asked them to supply us with their top three election issues. Most of the candidates responded, and in our Sept. 30 issue of the Vanguard we ran the following candidate profiles. Voters head to the polls on Saturday, Oct. 18.



DISTRICT 8



NAME: ANNE MOSES

Community of residence: South Ohio

Candidate for: Tri-County Regional School Board district 8

Top three election issues:

1. Inadequacy of funding continues to be the most serious issue facing the board. The previous inequities have only exacerbated since the implementation of the Hogg funding formula. The board must continue to lobby for a prompt review of the formula to secure for our students the program opportunities available in other areas of the province.

2. Dr. Jim Gunn’s upcoming report on facilities and programming of the TCRSB will have lasting effects on of our schools. As a board we must communicate to the public the importance of their participation in the upcoming process.

3. We must strengthen the board’s relationship with other government agencies and strive to foster communication and cooperation between the board and school advisory councils so we can work in harmony to fulfill the board’s motto: Students First.

Contact information:

(902) 742-2941

email: moses@ns.sympatico.ca





Name: Dolores Atwood

Community of residence: Wellington, Yarmouth County

Candidate for: Tri County Regional School Board district 8

Top Three Election Issues:

1. More resources for students – the School Board must lobby the provincial government to ensure that our children have as much access to quality programs as those in other parts of the province.

2. Better communications – when elected, I will ensure that citizens are made aware of the activities of the school board through public meetings and regular communications.

3. Help for students at risk – it is important for schools to ensure that no student is “left behind.” Resources must be used to ensure that all children, including those that are most vulnerable in our community, reach their full potential and become productive citizens.

Contact Information:

(902) 742-8475

doloresatwood@eastlink.ca



DISTRICT 7



NAME: JOAN BREWER

Community of Residence: Milton Highlands

Candidate for: Tri-County Regional School Board district 7

Top Three Election Issues:

1. Continue dialog with the government to ensure that they understand that we require equitable funding to allow our students to receive the same programs offered in other areas of the province.

2. Encourage more interagency cooperation between the school board and other government agencies such as Department of Health, Mental Health, Addiction Services, Community Services, Department of Justice, RCMP, etc. so we can better meet the complex needs of many of our students

3. Work toward improving our provincial math and literacy scores.

Contact Information:

(902) 742-3814

email: joanb@eastlink.ca





NAME: LYNN DOUCETTE

Candidate for: Tri-County Regional School Board district 7

Top three election issues:

1. Support for schools to promote intellectual, social, emotional and physical growth of the children of the tri-counties.

2. Support for programs and strategies that promote intellectual growth, through strong math and reading programs in all elementary schools.

3. Support physical activity for the development of lifelong habits promoting physical growth.

Contact information:

Home: 742-3812, Email: ljdoucette@eastlink.ca



DISTRICT 1

Name: RON HINES

Community of residence: Gavelton, Argyle Municipality

Candidate for: Tri-County Regional School Board district 1

Top three election issues:

1. Provincial funding – we need more money added to our base funding to provide our children with the educational opportunities enjoyed by other areas of the province.

2. Programming – provide more specialists, such as guidance counselors and school psychologists, as well as support for our math and literacy programs; continued support for French immersion programming and a recognition of the special needs our region has for immersion; new programs to keep our students interested and attending school; and more courses offered through distance education.

3. School facilities – some of our schools need additional space and major refits and all need technical upgrade

Contact info:

(902)648-2412





Name: KERRY MUNRO

Community of residence: Pleasant Lake

Candidate for: Tri-County Regional School Board district 1

Top three election issues:

1. Economic Parity for our School Board. We have been underfunded by millions for more than a decade. The proper funding must be achieved if we are to deliver equal educational opportunities.

2. Keeping our younger teachers employed in this area. The hiring system must be improved to allow our younger teachers to remain and be assured of early hiring.

3. Better communication between the school board and the school advisory councils. The SACs are the grassroots of our school board and must be heard and respected.

Contact information:

Telephone: 648-2803

Cell: 746-3580



AFRICAN NOVA SCOTIAN SEAT

Name: Doris Stephenson

Community of residence: Jordantown, Digby County

Candidate for: Africian Nova Scotia seat on the Tri-County Regional School Board

Top three election issues:

1. Building a better relationship with the board and communities.

2. Representing all members of a diverse community.

3. Ensuring board resources are focused on supporting students.

Contact information:

(920) 245-4153



Also running for this seat is Michael Alden Fells. The Vanguard did not receive his profile by our deadline.