Michelle Waite has been an advocate for publicly funded education for many years. She is running for Board of Education Trustee, Area B (Lazo North).
“Our public education system in B.C. is an integral part of what our children need in order to grow into educated, curious and engaged members of our community and society.”
Living in small communities on Vancouver Island has given Waite the opportunity to appreciate and value how important community is to children and their education.
“Maybe it was because I grew up in a small town where it seemed you knew almost everyone. Where the high school band played at the Remembrance Day ceremony and the gym was packed to the rafters for graduation.”
Learning about the community school model in SD71 and beyond confirms to Michelle that each “school community” is unique and should be given opportunity to integrate, whenever possible, the school with the community.
With her two children and their families living in the Comox Valley, including all six grandchildren in elementary school, Michelle often attends and participates in a variety of school events.
“I believe we need to ensure parents, families and community are included and involved as part of each school’s stakeholder circle.
“I loved school. It might sound corny, but I did. I still love school and all that it is about.”
Waite knows the public-school system she went through is not the same as the system in place for the last 17 years.
“Ultimately it comes down to years and years of not enough funding – for even the most dedicated and creative school districts. We have some hard work ahead of us, but not as hard as having to make decisions about closing schools.”
Michelle is a life-long learner, with years of both post-secondary education and studies with other organizations. Experienced in respectful discussion and debate, along with setting and achieving goals, comes from being a member of a variety of boards and organizations. She has been an employee with North Island College for 23 years and is active with the Canadian Union of Public Employees.
“I would like to give back to my community and to the families of the Comox Valley, by serving as your school trustee. Working together, we can provide children with education that fosters growth, awareness and knowledge.”
Michelle can be reached at michellelouise.waite@gmail.com