This is the second set of responses of three Qs to be sent to Salmon Arm School District candidates. All 3 Q&As will be posted before the first Advance Poll on Oct 7th. Check back for Q3 for candidates’ responses re Are you actually eligible to vote in our Salmon Arm local election by being either a qualified resident of Salmon Arm (resident elector) or registered owner of real property in Salmon Arm (non-resident property elector)? Due Oct 1st at Noon and posted up asap after that.
Note: Q2 is more policy-based so the maximum length response is up to 100 words for this specific question.
Q2: What is your understanding of and position on the importance of safe, inclusive and welcoming schools for all school community members including Indigenous, LGTBQ2S+, people with disabilities and the marginalized? How should this be accomplished?
Click on Continue Reading just below for the Q2 responses!
| Candidate | Responses |
| Tracy Riley | Why it matters Safe, inclusive, and welcoming schools are essential for every member of the SD No. 83 (K̓wsaltktnéws ne Secwepemcúl’ecw) community, including Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ people, people with disabilities, and marginalized groups. Board Policy 100 establishes this foundation, led by the core values of belonging and respect. How trustees should act Board Policy 121 reinforces the protections of the B.C. Human Rights Code and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. As a trustee, I will uphold these commitments by applying all six Board values in every decision: belonging and respect; reconciliation and empathy; and equity and perseverance. |
| Claire Askew | I believe every student deserves to feel safe, respected, valued and able to fully participate in school life. Inclusive schools require more than policies on paper. We need to listen to students, families and marginalized communities, provide staff with appropriate training and resources, and respond consistently to discrimination and exclusion. This includes meaningful Indigenous education and reconciliation, equitable supports for students with disabilities, and safe, welcoming environments for 2SLGBTQ+ students including universal gender-neutral washrooms. As a trustee, I would support policies and resources that promote belonging, address discrimination and ensure families have meaningful opportunities to raise concerns and be heard. |
| Linda Martens | Safe, inclusive, and welcoming schools are essential for student success and well-being. Every student, staff member, and family deserves to feel respected, valued, and safe. This is achieved through inclusive policies, strong relationships, equitable access to supports, meaningful engagement, and ongoing learning that reflects the diversity of our communities. |
| Melissa Parmenter | When students and staff feel safe, respected, valued, and connected, they succeed. Safe, inclusive, and welcoming schools for all community members are a prerequisite, not an option. The Ministry mandates this through The BC School Act and Safe, Caring and Orderly Schools Guide. This framework guides how the board of trustees create a district strategic plan, write policies such as SOGI 123, and prioritize budget items. Ongoing communication with district leadership, staff, students, and partner groups will allow the board to know the effectiveness or their directives and make adjustments where needed. |
