During the last 15 years, I served nine years as a school trustee. My first term followed the amalgamation of School District No. 86 (Creston-Kaslo) and School District No. 7 (Nelson) into School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake), creating one of the largest geographic school districts in B.C., a very challenging experience.
As a trustee and a former Regional District of Central Kootenay director, I advocated the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the community to build and complete the new Crawford Bay school, a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design gold school. But I missed being in the educational environment. Once again, I found myself a trustee on the board of education.
The “joy of learning” encouraged me to continue my education as an adult, to inspire the excitement of learning as a parent, foster parent and grandparent, and to run for the position as a school trustee. In collaboration with the community, parents and educators, I look forward to supporting exciting changes in educational environments. Dedicated teaching and non-teaching staff support a good system today. Together we can make it the very best for all our children in reaching their potentials and finding their personal joy of learning.
I invite you to call and share your ideas, concerns and joys in our schools today. I am on Facebook under Verna Mayers. Contact me at 250-402-3144, vmayers@telus.net or vmayersmckenzie@sd8.bc.ca.
Please vote on Nov. 19 for two South Rural trustees.
Verna Mayers-McKenzie is seeking election as the South Rural trustee for the School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) board of education.
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The Advance asked each candidate for Creston town council and mayor, Regional District of Central Kootenay director and School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) trustee — as well as acclaimed directors Garry Jackman (Area A) and Larry Binks (Area C) — to submit about 300 words to describe their goals, background, qualifications, concerns — whatever mattered to them. Of the 27 candidates, only two, Jackman and Creston town council candidate Louis Mihaly, chose not to make a submission.