For Pitt Meadows trustee
• Name: Korleen Carreras.
• Residence: Pitt Meadows.
• Occupation/education: BCGEU, past artistic director;owner of dance studio; advanced associate International Association of Dance Teachers, Johannesburg, South Africa.
• Volunteer work: president Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Arts Council; member of the Pitt Meadows Centennial Committee; Pitt Meadows Artist in Residence Jury, provincial treasurer; B.C. NDP; board member Response Dance Company, Coastal Sound International Choral Festival Society.
Question: Please provide an example of what you have done that qualifies you for school board.
Answer: I am a community member with children in the current school system. I have also witnessed my oldest child struggle to get the education support that he needs in the classroom due to funding cuts. Public education affects us all.
Q: Why are you running for trustee?
A: Our education system is facing a financial squeeze and we need to have strong voices advocating for proper funding at the local school board level. I think we can to do a better job of engaging the public and working with our partners in education.
Q: What makes you stand out from other candidates?
A: My background of proven leadership, my understanding of holding a political position and working with senior staff teams, and my commitment to the families that live in our community.
Q: How do you see the school district changing in the next 10 years?
A: I see a community that is engaged in the decision making process regarding the education of our children – a community table where our partners in education, like community members, teachers, education support staff, have a vote and an impact with the board. I see a K-12 art education school that supports students with their artistic ability. I have watched this grow in popularity in other communities and witnessed the results and growth of well-rounded students.
Q: What will be your top priority if elected to school board?
A: Finding ways of engaging the public in our fight for a properly funded education system in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. I am also interested in finding ways to engage the next generation of voters – such as holding school board meetings in high school gyms with student participation and electing a youth representative to the school board.