For Pitt Meadows trustee
Name: Eleanor Palis.
Residence: No. 25 – 19160, 119 Avenue, Pitt Meadows.
Occupation/education: senior financial services representative, Vancity Credit Union.
Volunteer work: volunteer as a financial literacy champion with Vancity’s Each One Teach One Program; volunteer at Pitt Meadows Day and Canada Day celebrations; Pitt Meadows centennial celebration committee member; Pitt Meadows secondary graduation chair, three times; Pitt Meadows secondary PAC chair 2004-2008; Pitt Meadows secondary planning council, 2003-2008; Pitt Meadows Canada Day run volunteer; Pitt Meadows elementary PAC member 1994-2008; Pitt Meadows Soccer club (WCAGFC) fundraising dance event coordinator; Discovery Playhouse Preschool Society treasurer, president 1993-1999.
Question: Please provide an example of what you have done that qualifies you for school board.
Answer: Having served two terms has provided me a deeper understanding of education in B.C., to recognize where our advocacy must continue and what impact previous budgets have had on our district. While keeping the success of our students foremost, I will continue to use informed, careful consideration when making governance decisions at the board table.
Q: Why are you running for trustee?
A: I still want to contribute. I see great opportunities for students, and therefore our community, with current initiatives in our school district. Despite the challenges we have faced in the past few years, I am inspired by the great work of our staff at every level and of the successes of students. A broad thinking board that is appreciative of innovation allows for these successes to occur.
Q: What makes you stand out from other candidates?
A: I am referred to often as a trustworthy, deep and thoughtful listener, as a supportive community member, as a positive contributor who balances information to make common sense decisions. I have no agenda other than opportunities for students. My passion is education, I have no aspiration to use my role as trustee as a stepping stone to further political positions.
Q: How do you see the school district changing in the next 10 years?
A: I believe that we will see further personalized learning. Students have access to the world at their fingertips at every second, and with that make choices to follow their interests. It’s imperative that we support learning what we’ll naturally refer to as the basics, while allowing students to investigate, gain deeper and critical understanding and unleash their potential. The current facilities review will help determine what are our communities want and need in terms of physical schools.
Q: What will be your top priority if elected to school board?
A: The recent labour dispute has harmed relationships in the field of education in B.C. Despite the challenges, I believe that optimism is the key to moving forward together. My priority has always been to make decisions that will best benefit our students. My top priority is student success.