I have worked at the South Similkameen Health Care / Keremeos Diagnostic and Treatment Centre for the past 18 years.
I moved with my husband Jim and our daughters to the Similkameen valley in 1984. Keremeos has been a wonderful community to raise our daughter in. I have taught Sunday school and worked with youth groups within our community. In the past we have had 17 foster children live with us.
Our daughters both graduated from Simlkameen Elementary Secondary School (SESS). I have three granddaughters, one who is currently attending SESS, another who loves going to Strong Start at Cawston Primary School.
Over the years I have been very involved in my daughter’s schools, volunteering and helping in various areas. I was involved in the Parent Advisory Council (PAC), and was PAC president for several years before becoming a school trustee. I have continued to be involved with PAC throughout the years, and keeping in contact with parents.
I have had the privilege of representing our community as your school trustee since 1992. Over the years there have been many challenges facing the school board. Decreasing enrollment continues to be a big one. We have had to keep re-inventing opportunities so we can continue to give the students of our valley the best education possible, with course opportunities available to them so that they can go to the college or university or trade school of their choice. We must keep the focus on the education of our students; they are our first priority. In this time of continued financial restraint I will continue to fight for resources that stay in our classroom. I also believe that by continuing to focus on early childhood education we will be giving our children a good head start. Strong Start Schools and all day kindergarten are great examples of this.
I believe in open communication between all parties. I am very accessible and approachable. I always try to keep all doors of communication open, continue to strive to problem solve, and to get answers.
Why? The answer is easy, because it is all about kids. We must protect what is precious to us, our children, for they are our future leaders.
Thank you so much for your support over the last 19 years, again it has been a privilege to serve you, and I hope to continue for another three years.
I ask for your vote on November 19.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at (250)-499-7791.