Trustee Laura Dixon has announced she is seeking a second term on the Delta school board.
In a press release issued Monday, she stated her unequivocal support for the school district.
"Delta school district is thriving and one reason is that we all work hard to tailor our education system in Delta to help every student achieve their full potential."
Dixon said she wants to continue to focus on steps that can be taken locally to enhance public education.
Active at both the local board level and with the B.C. School Trustees Association, she noted: "Increasing costs and funding issues resulting from the funding formula combined with the declining enrollment in Delta are a difficult reality. These issues have been regularly brought forward directly from our board and through BCSTA to the Ministry of Education for action, but it is not enough to simply complain. Advocacy to the provincial government is important, but local action is critical."
Dixon said the local board has been innovative and she cites examples such as specialized academies and international student programs.
"We offer unique opportunities to our students while providing additional revenue through increases in enrollment and international student fees. The Delta school district has been a leader on many fronts, including reducing our carbon footprint and our operating costs through energy-saving geothermal projects. Innovation continues while we maintain the fifth lowest administration costs out of 60 school districts in the province."
Dixon said some of the most gratifying work over the last term has been developing new partnerships that benefit the community.
"Through the school board/council liaison committee we've been able to have some really good input and discussion around some key projects in the community, including the Delta Sport Development Centre and the new community gym at the South Delta Recreation Centre."
The 36-year Delta resident was first acclaimed to the school board in 2008. An election wasn't necessary that year because only seven candidates filed nomination papers.
Prior to that acclamation, Dixon announced her candidacy as an independent but endorsed Bruce McDonald and the late George Hawksworth in their council bids, while they endorsed her.
Her press release pointed out McDonald, who's on the liaison committee, was instrumental in helping secure a new playground at Gibson Elementary.
She told the Optimist she once again endorses McDonald's candidacy.
