Name: Kathy Marshall
Age: (blank)
Occupation: retired
Q1. What experience do you have in public education?
1: In December 2008, I retired as a school trustee, having just completed my second term.
I was also an elementary school teacher for 10 years before moving to B.C. in 1973, when I founded the Ridge Meadows Legal Services Office. That experience brought many opportunities to support families and youth. In 2002, when all community law offices were closed, I chose to continue my passion for kids and education by running for school trustee.
During my six years on the school board, I was privileged to participate with many students, parents and staff on various committees and events.
After two terms, due to family and volunteer commitments, I could not seek another term. Now I am able to devote the time and energy the position deserves and would be honoured to serve you.
Q2. Why should you be elected to the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Board of Education?
2. I bring experience as a trustee from 2002 to 2008 and a proven track record of delivering on my commitments. I believe in every child’s right to an education and strongly support the need to provide the necessary resources to ensure that every child is included. Having served on a variety of community and provincial boards and foundations, I have gained a wide range of valuable experience.
As a parent, former trustee and teacher, I have an appreciation of the complexity of the issues facing public education. I believe my leadership skills, extensive experience and commitment will be an asset to the board.
Q3. What do you feel are the most important issues facing public education, and how do plan to address those issues as a school trustee?
3. Keeping up with all the rising costs everywhere in the system requires money. Dividing the ‘pie’ is always difficult when there are so many deserving placements for the limited dollars. All stakeholders need to come together and advocate, locally and provincially, to ensure that our most important asset – our students – receive adequate funding.
Growth: Albion and Silver Valley need adequate school sites in order to provide for their growing number of students .We need to continue to advocate to the ministry and the municipality to find a solution.
Education for all students: We need to continue to do everything we can to keep kids in school by offering options and alternatives and making education relevant.