Monday, August 24, 2009

Below is a copy of my campaign letter. If you are able to help out in any way, that would be great. Even if you could help to spread the word to others in Subdivision 5, that would be helpful.

August 23, 2009

Dear Friends, Neighbours and Supporters,

As you may be aware, I have announced that I will seek election to the Regina Public School Board in Subdivision 5. This Subdivision has been well represented for the last 16 years by Dr. John Conway. However, John announced earlier this year that he would not be seeking re-election. The shoes to fill are large and the challenges facing trustees are great. I have decided, after careful consideration, to commit to this challenge.

When the Regina Board of Education’s 10-year “renewal” plan was released in 2007, a group of concerned parents and citizens formed the grassroots group, RealRenewal. As a parent of two children who attend Ecole Connaught Community School, I became an active member and spokesperson for RealRenewal.

The current Board, with the exception of Dr. Conway, appear fully committed to forging ahead with the 10-year plan, despite articulate and reasoned concerns raised by RealRenewal and other citizens. Three schools have already been closed, and Herchmer has been demolished. One French Immersion program has been taken out of the core of the city and the only other French program in the core (Ecole Connaught) is scheduled to be discontinued. Ten more elementary schools are set to close before 2018, as is Martin Collegiate. Unless the plan is changed, Subdivision 5 will see up to four more elementary schools affected by closure – Connaught or Davin, Coronation Park and Kitchner. The plan also places the future of heritage school buildings in jeopardy.

The first round of school closures this spring highlighted the need for more transparency, accountability and meaningful community consultation. Exercises in public relations masquerading as public consultations serve only to alienate those who seek to be involved in the process. I support full public disclosure of all documents and reports used in making closure decisions, well in advance of any decision.

I support adequate staffing of existing schools and would seek to increase community involvement in schools. I believe that the innovation and adaptability we seek in responding to the needs of students is best realized when staff, students, and communities are involved and engaged in their schools. I would seek to enhance the concept of schools as the centre of communities and support the inclusion of community partners, such as daycares and health services, inside schools.

This spring, the provincial government announced that it would be taking away the ability of local, democratically elected school boards to set their own mill-rates. This is perhaps the greatest challenge facing trustees who seek to make progressive changes to the system. Being a trustee in this new era will require strong voices willing to publicly lobby the province to increase funding to education. I am willing to take on this challenge and believe that progressive legislation elsewhere can serve as an example for the provincial government. For example, Ontario recently announced an ambitious program aimed at restoring and retrofitting schools, while significantly reducing class sizes. Similar legislation in Saskatchewan could address the serious maintenance deficits that have been allowed to grow with years of underfunding of our education system, and position the system to meet the challenges of the future.

Action on reducing class-sizes is also long overdue. We know that children learn best in small schools and in small classrooms. This was made clear in the Board’s own report commissioned by Dr. Leithwood from the University of Toronto, prior to the 10-year plan. This should be a top priority.

I believe our children and communities are best served by small, walkable, neighbourhood schools. This is what I sought to draw attention to when I helped organized the successful “Walk to School Wednesday” event this spring. If the current plan proceeds, almost 46 percent of elementary students will be bused to school every school day. Given what we know about fossil fuels and childhood inactivity and obesity, this plan does not serve the best interests of our children or our environment.

I would publicly and forcefully oppose any and all attempts to privatize or commercialize our public schools. I am opposed to the introduction of costly and unaccountable public-private partnerships (P3s). I am also concerned about the creeping commercialization we already see in our schools. Sponsorship arrangements, advertising, fundraising, and fees charged to families have become all too common, and in my opinion, have no place in a public education system. But in order to halt and reverse this trend, schools must be adequately funded.

I believe that my background as a parent, social worker, and activist will serve me well as I take on the challenges outlined above. But I need your support. You can help in a number of ways:

· Make a financial contribution (donations of $25 or more must be disclosed)
· Display a lawn or window sign
· Deliver election information door to door
· Pass on names and contact information of other potential supporters
· Ask me to speak with your group or organization

Thank you for your support. Please feel free to contact me with ideas, questions or concerns.

Sincerely,



Carla Beck
775-1917
carlabeck@sasktel.net
Visit my election blog at http://carlabeckschoolboard.blogspot.com
Or the facebook group: Carla Beck for School Board (Subdivision 5)

If you would like to make a contribution, let me know.

Monday, August 17, 2009

contact information

If you do happen to have comments, concerns, questions, or suggestions but do not want to post them publicly, please email me at carlabeck@sasktel.net

This also works if you would like to volunteer to help out with the campaign. We neeed people to drop campaign information door-door, take lawn signs, and of course, make campaign contributions.

I hope to hear from you.

Carla

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Facebook Page

For those of you who are so inclined, I have a facebook group. It is entitled- Carla Beck for school Board Subdivision 5 (inspired name, I know).

Tell your friends. Or, at least tell you facebook friends.
I have recently announced my intention to seek election as Trustee for Subdivision 5.

The election will be held on October 28, 2009. By running, I seek to promote the value of small, walkable, neighbourhood schools.

I support innovation in schools, and believe that this can be best achieved by supporting involvement at the school level, by encouraging community involvement, and by supporting school staff.

I do not believe that innovation must be tied to a particular form of architecture, but can happen wherever students, teachers, support staff and communities are engaged and inspired.

I believe that it is important to maintain our existing schools adequately, thus ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of students, and that closure decisions are not based on maintenance deficits.

I believe that all levels of government have a role to play in the preservation of important historical buildings, and as such, should work collaboratively to maintain our shared heritage.

I also seek to draw attention to the direction proposed by the RBE's current 10-year plan which includes the closure of 12 elementary schools and two high schools. The plan also involves increased busing, culminating in nearly half (46 percent) of elementary students being bused each school day.

I am concerned that the current plan is at odds with the goal of creating sustainable, smart-growth neighbourhoods as endorsed and supported by other levels of government, especially the City of Regina.

I would seek to work collaboratively with other levels of government towards these shared goals.I support the promotion of schools as centres of the community and the inclusion of community partners in schools.

I believe that diversity is strength, and that by supporting innovation and involvement at the individual school community level we can best respond to the unique needs of students in those communities.

This subdivision has been well-served by the Trustee Dr. John Conway for the past 18 years. John recently announced that he will not be seeking re-election.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Carla Beck for School Board

Welcome to my Blog.

Please check back soon, as I will be posting links, campaign information, photos, and will be soliciting input from the residents of Subdivision 5 in Regina.

Remember, municipal elections will be held on October 28. Get informed, get involved, and get out and vote!

Matters decided at the municipal and school board level impact us all.

Do you value schools, pools, libraries, rinks and recreational facilities in you community? Do you want to have a say about whether they stay or go?

Help articulate the type of city you want to live in and help to chart a progressive course for the future.