Erica Beard is one of the Delta school trustee candidates running in this month's civic election. Here are her responses to a questionnaire from the Optimist:
1. Bio – Tell readers a bit about yourself and why you are running for office.
I am a lifelong resident of delta and a registered nurse with experience in clinical practice as well as education. I am a passionate advocate for healthy and active communities where families can thrive. I am running for school board to advocate for parents, teachers, students and our community.
2. Most pressing issue – What issue are you most passionate about and what action will you take on it?
There are many issues that require immediate attention however; I feel these issues are stemming from a lack of communication between trustees and Delta parents, teachers and community as well as other governing bodies. We need a renewed board of trustees to repair these relationships so out students can thrive.
3. – The Delta school board has been able to bring additional per-pupil funding and revenues by attracting out-of-district students to Delta’s specialty academies. Should these programs be made free for Delta residents without having to apply for special exemptions?
I believe academy programs should be free for delta residents. These programs are not for profit and the revenues from out of district students should ease the payments for delta students. Public school should remain free for delta residents. The Achieving for Delta Team values putting Delta students first and providing equal opportunity for all of our children to excel.
4. – The district has seen steady increases in the number of students from other countries in the International Student Program. By 2016/17 revenue climbed to just over $10 million. Part of that money has now gone into offsetting budget deficits. Do you support using those revenues for the operating budget and, if not, where should those monies be targeted?
A full review of the budget is required in order to accurately determine where the revenue from the international student programs would be most effective. I have clearly heard the concerns from parents, teachers and students regarding hiring and retaining teachers and Educational assistants. The Achieving for Delta team is committed to adequate staffing and will explore multiple avenues in order to achieve our goals.
5. – The school board is proposing to work out a land deal with the City of Delta to build a new track facility in North Delta. Many other schools in the district will still be without upgraded tracks. Do you feel corporate sponsorship may be a possibility or are there other options you believe can be explored?
Before exploring corporate sponsorship, I believe we can works closely with the City of Delta to create multiple land deals. The Achieving for Delta team believes working closely and collaboratively between trustees and council. Together we can create working relationships Working with the city would allow for greater control and help renew the relationship between trustees, mayor and council.
Our fields require upgrades, but I do not believe these upgrades should also include corporate advertisements. Corporate sponsorship could potentially have value, however contracts would need to be carefully negotiated to ensure the best interests for the community come first.
6. – As a candidate for trustee, please explain the role of trustee and explain why you among all of these other candidates should be elected to it.
The role of the trustee is to be the voice of the community. They are elected to advocate for parents, teachers, students, staff and be the bridge between governing bodies and the community. Through consult with the community, we can understand the challenges and successes of the schools and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to present solutions. We need to build relationships with local authorities, other trustee boards and education governing authorities in order to have outstanding schools. The trustee must also be fiscally responsible and ensure no money is being wasted or left on the table
As a nurse, I have gained extensive experience with effective communication. I am approachable and value the input of others. I have experience working in multidisciplinary teams and multiple levels of organizations to create effective solutions to unique problems. I am a proven advocate for our children through extensive efforts to save the “Baby Daze” program for infants and new parents. I am fiscally responsible and eager to work with the goal of creating the best environment for students and staff.
