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.