Key Issues:
1. Emergency Preparedness
In 2007, our Board of Education allocated $200,000 to ensure the district is fully prepared in the event of an emergency. Large emergency bins are now in place at all sites, fully stocked with first-aid supplies, equipment, tools, and water. A handy, flip-book is now in every classroom and office, summarizing standard procedures in the event of an emergency. A dedicated committee will continue to develop and monitor the district's Emergency Preparedness program.
2. Historical Inequities for West Vancouver teachers
In 2006, as a result of Provincial Collective Bargaining, a harmonization program was introduced to address inequities in salaries among teachers at all levels on the salary grid across all districts. Significant adjustments have been made under a graduated plan to ensure teachers in our district are paid at the same level as their Lower Mainland counterparts.
3. Effective Board Governance
I'm very proud to be part of a successful team of trustees: Cindy Dekker (Vice-Chair), Jane Kellett (Past-Chair), David Stevenson, and Coral Winfield. While we bring different attributes and perspectives to the Board table, we are respectful, professional and decisive in conducting Board business. A better Board translates into a better learning environment where students and staff challenge themselves to reach higher and further. We have accomplished many of the goals and objectives we set out to in our Strategic Plan of 2006 (Strategic Plan 2006-2008).
4. 2010 Olympics
A number of programs are being developed by the Vancouver Olympic Organizing committee that will encourage youth to interact and share. We have created a calendar for schools with key Olympic activities and dates through 2010. Our teachers and students have engaged in several field trip and curriculum projects that connect them with the Games. I want to continue to explore these opportunities, which will allow our students maximum participation.
- Choice programs for fine/performing arts
I believe an arts education must be fundamental, not incidental and con
sider the arts to be the "fourth R" - a basic component in the curriculum and a basic tool in the school arsenal. The Kay Meek centre is a thriving performing-arts community. This fall, the Meek launched a student outreach program. This new project provided opportunities for students to meet with and learn from artists in residence at the Meek, and explore their professional creativity first-hand. I will continue to support opportunities for students at the Kay Meek and elsewhere in our community.
6. Career Planning
We need to provide better career planning skill development, as well as information to young people, and 
make that access easier. Research done by Canadian Policy Research Networks indicated that early career programs have had positive results: reduced dropout rates, increased aspirations and achievements, better success in young graduates finding jobs that match their talent and interests, and improving employers' ability to meet their skill need. There is work still to be done around these goals and objectives already outlined in our Strategic Plan.
7. Transportation Plan
Global warming and climate change are realities that are not going away. With "sustainability and environmental education" now embodied in our Strategic Plan, it is time to develop a comprehensive transportation plan for our district which addresses environmental concerns, keeps students safe and ensures we are using our resources in the most efficient and effective way.
8. Substance Abuse Awareness and Education
A recent report by Canada's Auditor-General stated the country's drug strategy was too focused on enforcement and needed a more balanced approach -- one which addresses the harm-reduction issues of prevention, treatment, and research. The West Vancouver Police Department's recent decision to replace the D.A.R.E. program led to the expanded mandate of our Healthy Schools Committee to encompass this issue. In partnership with the Municipality, Vancouver Coastal Health and the WVPD, SD45 is currently designing a new integrated substance abuse awareness and education program for K-7 students, including revision of the scope and sequence of the curriculum, new teaching resources and teacher training.
