Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Strategic Plan
If you ever wondered what is a Strategic Plan or why it is important for a School Board to have one, read what Casey Cook has written on his blog for a New Westminster School Board Strategic Plan.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
A positive Voice
With all the recent talk of negativity of soon-to-be past and present school trustees on the School Board, Tuesday night's meeting (November 29, 2011, City Hall) was a breath of fresh air.
Out-going trustee, Lori Watt issued called a motion for the creation of district anti-homophobia policy. Far from quiet, Voice trustees, myself included jumped in with both feet. Out-going trustee, Jim Goring called for a proactive approach to the motion. Rather than "anti" could it not be something positive, he asked.
I asked for the policy to be broader. Why anti-homophobia I wondered? Why not acceptance and inclusion of all lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gendered and transsexual, questioning, inquisitive and asexual students? Why indeed.
Casey Cook re-iterated the need for the Board to work toward a positive motion; one that supported all our students. The result? A request for staff to come back with a motion that would support all students in New Westminster in achieving their greatness no matter their sexual orientation. No toxicity this night.
The recent press doesn't quite capture what happened on Tuesday night, as it misses the reality that when trustees measure a motion on its merit and not the author or timing of it, good things can happen on the Board for the benefit of our students and staff. Far from the political obstructionists they have been painted to be, Voice trustees put the safety and well-being of New Westminster students above all else.
Jim Goring, thank you for your zen-like positivity these past three years. I will miss you, as will all Voice trustees, students, parents and the community.
Thank you to Lori and Brent for their years on the New Westminster Board of Education.
Out-going trustee, Lori Watt issued called a motion for the creation of district anti-homophobia policy. Far from quiet, Voice trustees, myself included jumped in with both feet. Out-going trustee, Jim Goring called for a proactive approach to the motion. Rather than "anti" could it not be something positive, he asked.
I asked for the policy to be broader. Why anti-homophobia I wondered? Why not acceptance and inclusion of all lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gendered and transsexual, questioning, inquisitive and asexual students? Why indeed.
Casey Cook re-iterated the need for the Board to work toward a positive motion; one that supported all our students. The result? A request for staff to come back with a motion that would support all students in New Westminster in achieving their greatness no matter their sexual orientation. No toxicity this night.
The recent press doesn't quite capture what happened on Tuesday night, as it misses the reality that when trustees measure a motion on its merit and not the author or timing of it, good things can happen on the Board for the benefit of our students and staff. Far from the political obstructionists they have been painted to be, Voice trustees put the safety and well-being of New Westminster students above all else.
Jim Goring, thank you for your zen-like positivity these past three years. I will miss you, as will all Voice trustees, students, parents and the community.
Thank you to Lori and Brent for their years on the New Westminster Board of Education.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
MaryAnn Mortensen’s Campaign Platform
"As a parent of two children in New Westminster attending Connaught Heights and Lord Tweedsmuir, Chair of the District Parent Advisory Council, member of the B.C. Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils, and as an active volunteer in our school district and in the community, I have a unique perspective on all our schools and the community. Public Education in New Westminster is vital to our children and our community. We need positive change on our School Board and I joined Voice to be that positive change. Be the change you want to see."
Communications
How we communicate is vital to our school communities and the wider community. We know there are gaps in the communication system in New Westminster and we will address them!
MaryAnn Mortensen, Voice Candidate for School Trustee
As your trustee, I commit to achieving the following goals:
Students First
Child-focused decisions made in consultation with teachers, and all school personnel, parents/guardians and the community. Healthy schools that foster a love of teaching and learning are important to the health of our community.
Child-focused decisions made in consultation with teachers, and all school personnel, parents/guardians and the community. Healthy schools that foster a love of teaching and learning are important to the health of our community.
- One size does not fit all - Support and grow our Programs of Choice
- Ensure that all our students receive early assessment
- 21st Century Learning - Appropriate use of new technologies as tools to support and enhance learning in our classrooms and tailored to the specific needs of our students
Schools
We have waited for ten years for our new high school and are now on the path to have a new elementary, middle and high school built in our City. Good leadership is necessary to steward the Capital Project and consulting on the design build of our schools will expedite the process. On Saturday November 19th, make Voice your stewards of New Westminster School Board.
We have waited for ten years for our new high school and are now on the path to have a new elementary, middle and high school built in our City. Good leadership is necessary to steward the Capital Project and consulting on the design build of our schools will expedite the process. On Saturday November 19th, make Voice your stewards of New Westminster School Board.
- Breaking ground on the three new schools planned for New Westminster
- Following the final announcement to proceed with Capital Project construction - undertake immediate consultation with the John Robson and NWSS school communities on the design build process to expedite the construction process
- Following consultation, the prompt development of a plan to expedite the construction of our schools
- Upgrading existing schools including seismic upgrades and removal of any hazardous materials used in previous construction
Home and Family
We know the value and importance parents/guardians play in their child's education. Let's build relationships that foster trust, engagement and achievement for our children.
We know the value and importance parents/guardians play in their child's education. Let's build relationships that foster trust, engagement and achievement for our children.
- Commitment to 100% Parent Advisory Council meeting participation
- Meaningful reporting to parents/guardians
- Welcoming school communities
Communications
How we communicate is vital to our school communities and the wider community. We know there are gaps in the communication system in New Westminster and we will address them!
- An audit to identify gaps in communication with parents/guardians
- Encouraging Parent Advisory Council and community input to implement the Neighbourhoods of Learning Initiative at our new schools
- Open dialogue with our teachers, staff and home
Progressive and Positive Management
Did you know that New Westminster School Board does not have a Strategic Plan? A Mission and Vision statement is essential to creating policies that all 'education stakeholders' will invest in. Voice will create a Strategic Plan in consultation with all our school personnel, parents/guardians and the community. Put your trust in Voice.
Did you know that New Westminster School Board does not have a Strategic Plan? A Mission and Vision statement is essential to creating policies that all 'education stakeholders' will invest in. Voice will create a Strategic Plan in consultation with all our school personnel, parents/guardians and the community. Put your trust in Voice.
- Improving the Business Company’s performance and restoring public trust in the Business Company by ensuring that matters are dealt with transparently and at arm's length
- Governing practices that are free from conflict of interest - Conflicts of interest are inevitable and to be expected, especially and in a City our size, but board members must declare their conflicts and remove themselves from discussions on matters of real or perceived conflict of interest
- Developing strategies for a better education future in the district - For example, sharing resources with other districts to keep more education dollars here in our New Westminster classrooms
- Making New Westminster the best place to learn and work!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
NW SD Business Company: You might just be astonished to know...
For years now, I have heard complaints about the School District Business Company. The disinformation has been wide-spread and has, for too long, clouded concerns around the value of the Business Company. Trustee Brent Atkinson's claim this year that the Business Company saved the New Westminster school district from a $1 mil deficit is nothing more than smoke and mirrors. In fact, were it not for the debt the Business Company has owed the district for ten years, our district would not have suffered such dark days in recent years. The no pay back date of the $1 mil dollars the Business Company owed the district and no plan to pay interest was only very recently addressed after much public pressure including Voice incumbent trustees, Casey Cook and Jim Goring.
While it is true that Brent Atkinson and others, (Secretary Treasurer Brian Sommerfeldt amongst others) turned the Business Company around from when Michael Ewen was running things, it is disingenuous to suggest that the Business Company is making a profit until it pays back the full amount of the loan it took from New Westminster school district - money so badly needed in our classrooms. The continued inference from the CEO of the Business Company, Brent Atkinson, that the Company is somehow benevolent in paying "profits" back to the district belies the problem of allowing a sitting trustee to run a district Business Company. The sole purpose of any school district business company is to turn a profit for the benefit of the school district, its students and personnel!
It is notable that Mr. Atkinson does not draw a salary. Benevolent some might say. Or is it? How can a Business Company be sustainable when staff who work for the benefit of a company receive no remuneration? It does answer many questions I have had about how it is that a seemingly "conservative" School Board trustee went from battling in the trenches with the District Labour endorsed candidates, Michael Ewen, James Janzen and Lori Watt, to claiming that they were the only collegial members of the Board. As a parent who attended meetings regularly for the past three years (missing only one meeting in 2008 Sept-Jun), I can attest to the fact that this is not what I witnessed at the School Board meetings I attended. The kind of politicking at the Board table for the last three years has not come from the Voice incumbent trustees. In fact, the opposite could be said of Voice incumbent trustees, Casey Cook, Jim Goring and Lisa Graham who have remained calm in the face of this and other serious issues that must be dealt with.
While it is true that Brent Atkinson and others, (Secretary Treasurer Brian Sommerfeldt amongst others) turned the Business Company around from when Michael Ewen was running things, it is disingenuous to suggest that the Business Company is making a profit until it pays back the full amount of the loan it took from New Westminster school district - money so badly needed in our classrooms. The continued inference from the CEO of the Business Company, Brent Atkinson, that the Company is somehow benevolent in paying "profits" back to the district belies the problem of allowing a sitting trustee to run a district Business Company. The sole purpose of any school district business company is to turn a profit for the benefit of the school district, its students and personnel!
It is notable that Mr. Atkinson does not draw a salary. Benevolent some might say. Or is it? How can a Business Company be sustainable when staff who work for the benefit of a company receive no remuneration? It does answer many questions I have had about how it is that a seemingly "conservative" School Board trustee went from battling in the trenches with the District Labour endorsed candidates, Michael Ewen, James Janzen and Lori Watt, to claiming that they were the only collegial members of the Board. As a parent who attended meetings regularly for the past three years (missing only one meeting in 2008 Sept-Jun), I can attest to the fact that this is not what I witnessed at the School Board meetings I attended. The kind of politicking at the Board table for the last three years has not come from the Voice incumbent trustees. In fact, the opposite could be said of Voice incumbent trustees, Casey Cook, Jim Goring and Lisa Graham who have remained calm in the face of this and other serious issues that must be dealt with.
The operation of the Business Company would turn the heads of bankers everywhere. To get the full story, read about the Freedom of Information request here put out by Casey Cook and Jim Goring and the Business Company's response (aka, Brent Atkinson) response here.
To get the full story and the context read this. You might just be astonished.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Why you Should care to vote for your School Board Trustees Saturday November 19th
Maybe you don't have children or they are not yet in the school system. Perhaps your children are fully grown. Ever wondered why you should vote for your School Board Trustees? Explore how your School Board Trustees impact you and your community. Read on http://tinyurl.com/c8rzucl
Vote Voice for positive change on your New Westminster School Board!
Vote Voice for positive change on your New Westminster School Board!
For Immediate Release: Voice Candidates Disclose Campaign Contributions
Voice New Westminster
November 14, 2011
For Immediate Release
Voice New Westminster school trustee candidates release campaign contributions
New Westminster, BC -- As was pledged earlier in the New Westminster civic election, the five Voice New Westminster school trustee candidates have released the total amount of campaign contributions each has received in support of their individual campaigns.
These campaign contributions, which include in-kind and cash donations, are summarised at the bottom of this press release and they are also available as a PDF document on the Voice New Westminster website at www.voicenewwestminster.org.
These campaign contributions reflect those received as of November 13, 2011 and the amounts are not expected to change in any significant way subsequently.
To the best of our knowledge, Voice candidates are the only candidates to have taken this unprecedented step in a New Westminster civic election.
It is important to note, as well, that Voice New Westminster as an organization has not sought or received campaign contributions during this election campaign.
Voice New Westminster and its candidates value transparency and openness in public affairs and this disclosure is in accordance with those values.
In view of the vast amounts of money being spent on campaigns in New Westminster by some candidates (i.e., full page ads in the local newspapers, brand new lawn signs, numerous glossy brochures and endorsements by New Westminster’s elected members from other levels of government) the public deserves to know exactly who is pulling the political strings and who is funding these candidates.
Voice New Westminster is a broadly-based, non-partisan civic electors organization comprised of city residents who share common concerns about the future of our community, its neighbourhoods, its sustainability, and the integrity and transparency of public processes carried out by local government bodies.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Spreading party politics a bad move in city
Spreading party politics a bad move in city
Pat Tracy, Editor of the Royal City Record discusses why NDP MLA Dawn Black's and NDP MP's Fin Donnelly and Peter Juilan's endorsement of District Labour slate in New Westminster is a "bad move". My opinion? Party politics=poor representation of your electorate.
Pat Tracy, Editor of the Royal City Record discusses why NDP MLA Dawn Black's and NDP MP's Fin Donnelly and Peter Juilan's endorsement of District Labour slate in New Westminster is a "bad move". My opinion? Party politics=poor representation of your electorate.
New Westminster News Leader - COLUMN: A look at New Westminster's political power players
New Westminster News Leader - COLUMN: A look at New Westminster's political power players
A look at the political scene in New Westminster. Don't think your School Board politicians count? Think again. Your School Board trustees impact your community in many ways and your vote matters. Vote for your School Board trustees and make your vote Voice New Westminster
A look at the political scene in New Westminster. Don't think your School Board politicians count? Think again. Your School Board trustees impact your community in many ways and your vote matters. Vote for your School Board trustees and make your vote Voice New Westminster
Thursday, November 10, 2011
MaryAnn Mortensen’s Campaign Platform
"As a parent of two children in New Westminster attending Connaught Heights and Lord Tweedsmuir, Chair of the District Parent Advisory Council, member of the B.C. Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils, and as an active volunteer in our school district and in the community, I have a unique perspective on all our schools and the community. Public Education in New Westminster is vital to our children and our community. We need positive change on our School Board and I joined Voice to be that positive change. Be the change you want to see."
Communications
How we communicate is vital to our school communities and the wider community. We know there are gaps in the communication system in New Westminster and we will address them!
MaryAnn Mortensen, Voice Candidate for School Trustee
As your trustee, I commit to achieving the following goals:
Students First
Child-focused decisions made in consultation with teachers, and all school personnel, parents/guardians and the community. Healthy schools that foster a love of teaching and learning are important to the health of our community.
Child-focused decisions made in consultation with teachers, and all school personnel, parents/guardians and the community. Healthy schools that foster a love of teaching and learning are important to the health of our community.
- One size does not fit all - Support and grow our Programs of Choice
- Ensure that all our students receive early assessment
- 21st Century Learning - Appropriate use of new technologies as tools to support and enhance learning in our classrooms and tailored to the specific needs of our students
Schools
We have waited for ten years for our new high school and are now on the path to have a new elementary, middle and high school built in our City. Good leadership is necessary to steward the Capital Project and consulting on the design build of our schools will expedite the process. On Saturday November 19th, make Voice your stewards of New Westminster School Board.
We have waited for ten years for our new high school and are now on the path to have a new elementary, middle and high school built in our City. Good leadership is necessary to steward the Capital Project and consulting on the design build of our schools will expedite the process. On Saturday November 19th, make Voice your stewards of New Westminster School Board.
- Breaking ground on the three new schools planned for New Westminster
- Following the final announcement to proceed with Capital Project construction - undertake immediate consultation with the John Robson and NWSS school communities on the design build process to expedite the construction process
- Following consultation, the prompt development of a plan to expedite the construction of our schools
- Upgrading existing schools including seismic upgrades and removal of any hazardous materials used in previous construction
Home and Family
We know the value and importance parents/guardians play in their child's education. Let's build relationships that foster trust, engagement and achievement for our children.
We know the value and importance parents/guardians play in their child's education. Let's build relationships that foster trust, engagement and achievement for our children.
- Commitment to 100% Parent Advisory Council meeting participation
- Meaningful reporting to parents/guardians
- Welcoming school communities
Communications
How we communicate is vital to our school communities and the wider community. We know there are gaps in the communication system in New Westminster and we will address them!
- An audit to identify gaps in communication with parents/guardians
- Encouraging Parent Advisory Council and community input to implement the Neighbourhoods of Learning Initiative at our new schools
- Open dialogue with our teachers, staff and home
Progressive and Positive Management
Did you know that New Westminster School Board does not have a Strategic Plan? A Mission and Vision statement is essential to creating policies that all 'education stakeholders' will invest in. Voice will create a Strategic Plan in consultation with all our school personnel, parents/guardians and the community. Put your trust in Voice.
Did you know that New Westminster School Board does not have a Strategic Plan? A Mission and Vision statement is essential to creating policies that all 'education stakeholders' will invest in. Voice will create a Strategic Plan in consultation with all our school personnel, parents/guardians and the community. Put your trust in Voice.
- Improving the Business Company’s performance and restoring public trust in the Business Company by ensuring that matters are dealt with transparently and at arm's length
- Governing practices that are free from conflict of interest - Conflicts of interest are inevitable and to be expected, especially and in a City our size, but board members must declare their conflicts and remove themselves from discussions on matters of real or perceived conflict of interest
- Developing strategies for a better education future in the district - For example, sharing resources with other districts to keep more education dollars here in our New Westminster classrooms
- Making New Westminster the best place to learn and work!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
New Westminster News Leader - COLUMN: A look at New Westminster's political power players
New Westminster News Leader - COLUMN: A look at New Westminster's political power players
A perspective not often shared publicly in New Westminster. Is it time to swing the pendulum back to students, parents and the community? I believe it is time.
A perspective not often shared publicly in New Westminster. Is it time to swing the pendulum back to students, parents and the community? I believe it is time.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Frequently Asked Questions: Voter Registration, When and Where to Vote
Below are the polling stations where you can vote on November 19, 2011 with advanced voting dates.
For more information, visit the City of New Westminster's Frequently Asked Questions Page by clicking here
1. General Voting Day
General Voting Day is Saturday, November 19, 2011. Voting will take place between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
2. Voting Locations
Voting on November 19, 2011 will take place at 15 voting locations within the City.
1. | Queen Elizabeth Elementary School | 921 Salter Street |
2. | Connaught Heights Elementary School | 2201 London Street |
3. | Lord Tweedsmuir Elementary School | 1714 Eighth Avenue |
4. | Lord Kelvin Elementary School | 1010 Hamilton Street |
5. | St. Barnabas Anglican Church Hall | 1010 Fifth Avenue |
6. | John Robson Elementary School | 120 Eighth Street |
7. | River Market | 2nd Floor, 810 Quayside Dr. |
8. | Century House | 620 Eighth Street |
9. | The Armoury | 530 Queen’s Avenue |
10. | Herbert Spencer Elementary School | 605 Second Street |
11. | Dunwood Place | #101 – 901 Colborne Street |
12. | F.W. Howay Elementary School | 91 Courtney Crescent |
13. | Glenbrook Park Amenities Centre | 76 Jamieson Court |
14. | Richard McBride Elementary School | 331 Richmond Street |
15. | Sapperton Pensioners’ Hall | 318 Keary Street |
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
New Westminster parent MaryAnn Mortensen announces she will run for School Trustee
Media Release
September 21, 2011
New Westminster, BC -- Former New Westminster District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) Chair, MaryAnn Mortensen has announced that she will be running for School Trustee in this November’s civic election.
Mortensen is the mother of two New Westminster school children, ages 8 and 4, attending Lord Tweedsmuir and Connaught Heights Elementary schools and is one of the founding organizers of the highly successful West End Summerfest festival in Grimston Park.
Mortensen says completion of the school district’s long-standing Capital Plan is the most important issue needing to be dealt with by the new Westminster Board of Education, along with the need for an effective communication plan and “child-centered” decision-making.
“Every facet of decision-making needs to be child-centred, and better opportunities need to be created for parents to engage in their children’s education,” Mortensen said. “There also needs to be greater transparency and accountability in how the New Westminster school board operates.”
Mortensen first became directly involved in school district issues in 2008 when the School Board of the day announced plans to build an elementary or middle school on Grimston Park shortly before the 2008 civic election. She worked diligently with others in the community to bring concerns forward to the Board of Education regarding the lack of due process that had taken place in determining where these new west side schools should be located.
Mortensen subsequently participated in the board’s workshop process in January and February 2009 which successfully, and more openly, identified potential new west side elementary and middle school sites.
“I think it was very important for me, as a parent and a community voice, to participate as fully as possible in the process and in the decision making that determined the placement of the new schools,” Mortensen said.
In 2009, Mortensen was appointed DPAC Secretary and then served as DPAC Vice Chair in 2010-11 and most recently as DPAC Chair this year.
In April of 2011, Mortensen attended the AGM of the British Columbia Confederation of Parent Advisory Council’s (BCCPAC) and brought forward a New Westminster resolution calling for the Ministry of Education to work with Health Canada to establish research-based guidelines for the length of the eating portion of the school lunch period, adequate time for preparation and hand-washing, and ample time for outdoor play. The resolution, called the “Lunch Period Routine”, was adopted by BCCPAC and passed by a significant margin.
Mortensen has also served as a director-at-large with the Montessori Society and on the Richard McBride and Lord Tweedsmuir PACs, and previously worked in business and payroll administration in both corporate and community centres in Vancouver.
September 21, 2011
New Westminster, BC -- Former New Westminster District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) Chair, MaryAnn Mortensen has announced that she will be running for School Trustee in this November’s civic election.
Mortensen is the mother of two New Westminster school children, ages 8 and 4, attending Lord Tweedsmuir and Connaught Heights Elementary schools and is one of the founding organizers of the highly successful West End Summerfest festival in Grimston Park.
Mortensen says completion of the school district’s long-standing Capital Plan is the most important issue needing to be dealt with by the new Westminster Board of Education, along with the need for an effective communication plan and “child-centered” decision-making.
“Every facet of decision-making needs to be child-centred, and better opportunities need to be created for parents to engage in their children’s education,” Mortensen said. “There also needs to be greater transparency and accountability in how the New Westminster school board operates.”
Mortensen first became directly involved in school district issues in 2008 when the School Board of the day announced plans to build an elementary or middle school on Grimston Park shortly before the 2008 civic election. She worked diligently with others in the community to bring concerns forward to the Board of Education regarding the lack of due process that had taken place in determining where these new west side schools should be located.
Mortensen subsequently participated in the board’s workshop process in January and February 2009 which successfully, and more openly, identified potential new west side elementary and middle school sites.
“I think it was very important for me, as a parent and a community voice, to participate as fully as possible in the process and in the decision making that determined the placement of the new schools,” Mortensen said.
In 2009, Mortensen was appointed DPAC Secretary and then served as DPAC Vice Chair in 2010-11 and most recently as DPAC Chair this year.
In April of 2011, Mortensen attended the AGM of the British Columbia Confederation of Parent Advisory Council’s (BCCPAC) and brought forward a New Westminster resolution calling for the Ministry of Education to work with Health Canada to establish research-based guidelines for the length of the eating portion of the school lunch period, adequate time for preparation and hand-washing, and ample time for outdoor play. The resolution, called the “Lunch Period Routine”, was adopted by BCCPAC and passed by a significant margin.
Mortensen has also served as a director-at-large with the Montessori Society and on the Richard McBride and Lord Tweedsmuir PACs, and previously worked in business and payroll administration in both corporate and community centres in Vancouver.
- 30 -
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
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