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Sep 26, 2018 at 7:13 pm
Tabitha Gallicano asks the School Trustee Candidates
I just learnt of this question platform, so, some have already answered this question on facebook. Thank you!
The worlds of children and youth have been changing. The easier access to weapons, the increase in violence, and suicide due partially to bullying has some parents nervous about sending their children to public school. Some schools in larger metropolitan areas have implemented metal detectors and security upon arrival and departure. Other schools have put more support programs, such as counselors, psychologists, and group therapy in place for students. Within the last years there have been many cutbacks but such programs could prove wonders to a young persons mental well being. This is imperative as students spend a good portion of their lives at school. As trustee, do you potentially for-see more financials being allocated for resources that will not only keep our children physically safe, but also their mental and emotional health?
Kathleen Karpuk
This district has always tried to put as many resources as possible into supporting students. It's part of the reason we didn't have to hire a lot of LART and counselors when the Supreme Court decision came down, we already had them in place. This summer we added a district principal of inclusion to support programs such as anti-bullying, SOGI, and other wellness programs. We are also participating in the equity scan project to identify where we may be failing aboriginal students and to find ways to improve relationships with TIB and the other bands. We've also formed a district student advisory council who will be letting us know how we can better address student concerns and issues. That council is formed of students from each secondary and middle school in the district.
Beat Klossner
I absolutely agree that support programs, such as counselors, psychologists, and group therapy must be an essential part in keeping our children safe and well.
It will be up to the Board of Education to allocate more funds for such programs. What is needed is the political will to do so as well as the resources from the Provincial Government. In my opinion it is the duty of the Board to demand the needed funds from the Provincial Government, not just "hope" for them.
I think the School district is getting fairly "Top Heavy" and that we could spend more on support staff and programs in the schools and some less on Managers at the Board level.
Meghan Wade
Youth mental health is a concern of all individuals involved in the school district and at our provincial organization, the British Columbia School Trustees Association. At the provincial level, our association is consistently advocating for more funding and increased partnering with appropriate community organizations for grassroots service delivery. In SD 73, there are things happening in this area. This past December participated in a morning workshop where it was clearly identified by Kamloops youth that a one stop health related hub for youth was needed. The District and several other community partners have been working for the past year to create just such a service. At the District level, there are counsellors in our schools working directly with students, psychologists at our Henry Grube centre and District based group programs plus connections to community agencies. The District has a new position this year, District Principal of Student Inclusion, who is an amazing individual truly dedicated to creating safe cultures/environments in all schools. The District has a way to go, but we have started on the path and are committed to the goal of fostering an inclusive district culture.
Joe Small
You have touched upon a very important topic and one that we as school trustees must always keep front and centre in our quest for not only the best education we can provide our students but also the safest - both physically and mentally. To this end, our district created a new administrative position – District Principal of Student Inclusion – to meet the educational and emotional needs of an increasingly diverse student population. As well, each of our secondary schools are staffed with student counsellors and our district has a strong team of school psychologists that are available at a moment’s notice when issues arise. Finally, this is year one of a new District Student Advisory Council composed of secondary and middle school students. They will we be meeting on a regular basis and will act as the student’s voice, bringing concerns and issues to our trustees.
John O'Fee
I feel the answer lies in better and earlier detection of mental health issues and earlier intervention. Putting metal detectors and the like in schools really ignores why we have the problem in the first place. Having resources in place to deal with student mental health issues is a clear priority.