Rhiannon Bennett 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.
Rhiannon Bennett is Musqueam and was raised in Ladner with her large extended family. She has worked and volunteered with children, youth and families for over two decades. As a Trustee, she focused on repairing and building stronger relationships with education partners. Rhiannon lives on Tsawwassen Lands with her partner and daughter and works to create a more equitable world for all.
2. Most pressing issue – What issue are you most passionate about and what action will you take on it?
I am most passionate about continuing to work on relationship building. Building stronger relationships is key to all issues our district faces. The Board has been working on improving relationships with education partners and other levels of government. My leadership has helped to bring education partners together in a meaningful way to work on our submission regarding the funding formula review and I will continue to find other opportunities.
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?
With the current funding formula, it would be unrealistic to offer the Academies to Delta students at no cost. Many of the academies use professional grade equipment and additional instruction from industry professionals and some academies require access to sport facilities which are all incur costs outside of normal classroom expenses. The fees that are associated with the academies do not bring in a profit to the district as the academies' budgets net zero. All revenues from the academies are spent on the programs.
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?
I would rather the Provincial government fully fund public education. In the meantime, I support the current use of International Student Program revenues.
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?
It's my opinion that it has taken too long to get other levels of government to come to the table to address this issue. The City of Delta and the Delta School Board need to have a better relationship and a comprehensive plan to work together. The current School Board has been able to build on work started by previous Boards to bring all four levels of government to the table and now that everyone is there, I will continue to advocate for predictable and consistent funding for sports facilities and playgrounds. Public facilities should be maintained with public funds.
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.
Being a trustee is a bit like being the Skipper of a big canoe. The Board of Trustees are the Skipper, the staff are the crew of pullers, and the Superintendent is the Bow-person at the front where they lead the crew by setting the pace of the work. The Skipper sets the direction and destination of the canoe (towards student success and achievement) while working closely the Bow-person to keep the crew save by avoiding hazards and obstacles.
I should be re-elected because I have been working hard in my current role as Trustee and I am fully invested in the work I have started and I'm not finished yet! There is still a lot of work to do to continue to strengthen relationships with education partners and my perspective is needed to ensure the Equity Scan continues in the right direction. I am the only Indigenous candidate and in this Age of Reconciliation, it is critical that Indigenous perspectives are at decision making tables.
