Elect ASHLEY HULL

 

While there are many issues facing public education today, I’d like to take a Powell River-approach outlining the role and obligation of Trustee as I would fill it: to advocate, protect and magnify.

 

Advocate:

 

• Local Board control, including funding and bargaining rights, have been stripped away and are now held at a provincial level.  Strong and willing voices to question the funding formula are needed.

• Currently, students of the Lower Sunshine Coast and Gulf Islands enjoy free ferry travel for school-related activities. I will see an end to this inequality for our students.

 

Protect:

 

• Appropriate allocation of funds for struggling students MUST be protected. Our District has identified the need for early intervention in literacy and numeracy, and scores have improved significantly since making this a priority. With exceptionally successful outcomes; I believe that we will continue to see great progress so long as there is funding available.

• Likewise, classroom-support services are necessary to ensure each child excels to his/her greatest potential.  With budget constrains due to declining enrolment, I fear pressure may result in inadequate student services.

 

Magnify:

 

• We have exceptional duel-credit programs offered in Powell River, yet we have not grown to offer more choices. I would like to see the Board explore further collaborations with both VIU and other strategic community partners.

• Expanding our International Student Program brought in greater-than-anticipated revenue last year. Continuing to build a diverse student population helps fill the gaps in funding our schools desperately need.

 

Voters, innovative solutions and genuine hard work are what I hope to offer our students. Whether in Powell River or the Regional Districts, home owner or tenant, parent of school-aged children or not, please vote for Ashley Hull, “A New Voice, Building Educational Momentum.”