Schools are the core of our community. Children, parents, educators and community members alike – everyone benefits by having well-resourced schools. I am running for School Trustee for the North Vancouver School District because I care deeply about our public schools. As a Trustee, I plan to listen, collaborate and lead by serving our community.
From preschool to university, I have leadership experience at all levels of education in North Vancouver. I know how pivotal early-years education is for children as an entry to school-based learning. I attended Highlands Preschool as a child, and still maintain friendships with people I met there. My own children attended Lynn Valley Parent Participation Preschool, where I served as President and managed the preschool society for two years. This experience increased my awareness of the relationship between funding and quality education.
My student experience at Montroyal Elementary and Handsworth Secondary schools inspired my strong values of community and inclusion. My vision is to make our schools places where all students feel welcome and know they belong. School isn’t just a place for students to go; it is a space where they should feel accepted, supported and respected by their teachers and classmates. Research shows that students who feel comfortable and connected in the classroom do better in school.
My children attend Ecole Ross Road Elementary and Argyle Secondary schools today, and I see how they have directly benefited from NVSD programs for Indigenous students and support for complex learners.
At Ross Road, for the past three years I have served as Parent Advisory Committee Chair and as a member of the school planning committee. I heard from students and parents and introduced new ways for families to connect with each other and our school.
Our teachers and schools have made great strides in introducing elements of Indigenous education and social emotional learning to the curriculum. Both these frameworks recognize a whole-person approach to education, which encourages a more positive K-12 school experience. NVSD is a leader in these areas, but with progress there is always room for improvement. I want to play a role in developing an even stronger school experience for all North Vancouver students, especially Indigenous students and those with different learning needs.
Through my work with Capilano University, I understand the key role community partnerships play in enhancing learning opportunities. Students are introduced to knowledge leaders in our local community who are keen to share their expertise, and opportunities for making career-building connections. As a School Trustee, I would aim to further develop these opportunities for K-12 students.
Schools are where most children learn to be a good friend, a volunteer, a lifelong learner and a global citizen. Our schools are collective resources — a strong school system contributes to a healthy community. On May 29th, I encourage all residents of the District of North Vancouver to be forward thinking and community minded. Be part of the process and vote for me, Linda Munro, as your school trustee in the by-election for North Vancouver School District.
Linda Munro is running for School Trustee for the North Vancouver School District’s Board of Education in the May 2021 by-election. Know more about her and her priorities on her website.
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