Jen Carter - School district trustee

 

My name is Jen Carter. I am a recently retired teacher. I have lived and worked in Castlegar for my entire career.

 
I see the role of school trustee as that of a representative and facilitator for the people of our community. I am willing and able to fulfill both of these roles. Good leadership skills are critical when assuming the role of a school trustee. Respect for our children and families, regular consultation, enthusiasm, knowledge and experience and a driving need to do what is necessary to improve the situation in our schools are also essential.

 
I believe that an in-depth understanding of the schools, their staffs and their workings is an asset that will help me immensely. I have friends and contacts at every school in the district. This network of contacts will make it a simple matter for me to receive and share information with those that work in our schools. I also recognize the need for time to fulfill the responsibilities of trustee. As a retiree, I have all the time I need to get deeply involved and to complete the work necessary to keep up with the demands of our school district.

 
In order to be an effective trustee, I know that I must spend a great deal of time with the various member groups in our school district. If elected, I plan to visit all of the schools in the school district on a monthly basis. It is my goal to discuss issues that are pertinent to the PACS, children, teachers, administrators, and CUPE staff with them before making decisions regarding them at the Board Table.

 
The rest of my platform is outlined in the following statements. If elected, I plan:
  • to utilize my 35 years of teaching experience and awareness of issues in every area of our district to make informed decisions at the board table.
  • to listen, analyze and then decide complex issues.
  • to promote Board support and government funding of quality educational programs for all students.
  • to encourage more user-friendly technology policies for students, educators and the community.
  • to encourage enhanced senior management and trustee presence in our school community.
  • to strongly advocate for the government to replenish the current $300,000,000 shortfall in BC’s Education Budget.
  • to encourage a more consultative decision-making process with respect to facility use, staffing and educational programs.
  • to review the Board’s increased use of part-time employees.
  • to advocate for fair contract settlements that value all district employee groups.
  • to promote a more positive district culture and climate and improve relationships between the Board and all of its employees.
     
If elected I would be honoured to work with you to further develop an outstanding educational setting for the children of our school district.

 
Personal background:
 
I was born in Quebec and raised in Seattle. I earned by bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate from SFU in 1976. I started teaching in Castlegar in the fall of 1976. I earned my master’s degree in administration and curriculum development from Gonzaga University in 1992. During my teaching career I had the opportunity to work with children from Grades K to 8. I was also involved in working with special ed. students. I have two and one half years of administrative experience as well.
Now that I am retired I spend most of my time on my small farm in Robson.