Harvard Media News reached out to each candidate running for office to ask a set of questions on the office for which they are running. The following is our Q&A with Fort McMurray Public School Trustee Candidate, Tyler Spitzer . All responses are from the candidate or their agent and are unedited by Harvard Media News.
Harvard: What do you see as the key issues facing students and teachers today?
The most crucial issue facing students and teachers today is the current teachers strike. This has put a ‘pause’ on all learning which will no doubt have a negative affect on every child. The strike is a symptom of a huge issue which is classroom size and learning environment. Classrooms have become far more complex over the years with many children having special needs and requiring specialized attention. On top of this the number of kids in the classrooms has grown to a point that is no longer sustainable with quality education. The Alberta Commission on Learning (ALOC) released a document a number of years back that recommended the ideal class size be a maximum of 17 at grade 3 and up to 27 for high school. Classes at all grades routinely go over this now and there is no relief in sight. Teachers are doing what they have to do and standing up for conditions that are no longer acceptable for our children. We need support from our provincial government in terms of funding for both teachers and teacher retention. This issue wasn’t created over night and certainly won’t be solved over night but we are at a point where we can no longer let it spiral uncontrollably.
Harvard: How familiar are you with the Alberta Education Act and the limitations placed on trustees?
I am fairly familiar with the Education Act as it’s a document I have gone through. I understand the role that Trustees play in shaping policy and procedures at a local board level while also having a Superintendent in place to run the day to day operations of the school division. Trustees must also adhere to the curriculum set fourth by the provincial governement. There are many moving pieces in our education system and Trustees are only one part of it but they must be able to work with and liaise with the multiple other parties.
Harvard: What support will you offer the Superintendent in implementing the board’s strategic direction?
As with any governing board we are there to set policy and establish a strategic direction that the Superintendent will then take the lead on implementing. We must respect these roles and be careful not to overstep our lines. At a minimum, each month a meeting takes place where the board can review the operation, direction and implementation of the overall vision with the Superintendent. The Chair of the board is the first point of contact when issues arise outside of these regular meetings. Most certainly the communication should not be limited to just meetings as having a regular channel of communication between Superintendent and board is critical to resolving small items that could potentially become more cumbersome. And lastly and perhaps most importantly, as a board we need to listen to what support is needed and then act off that.
Harvard: Do you have children in the system, and how have their experiences influenced your perspective?
Yes, I have two children in grades 4 & 6. Each and every day I am involved in dropping them off and picking them up at school. I’m also involved in some of their extra curricular school activities and also volunteer regularly within their school. Through all of this I have developed good relationships with many of the teachers, support workers and other parents whom I see regularly. The conversations I have daily provide an opportunity to see what is going on and how things are operating. I’m able to gain different perspectives from being involved in various activities. My children have been the biggest influence in me running for the role of Trustee, I want our schools to be the best they can possibly be and I want to play a part in shaping the direction of them. Having two kids so deeply integrated in the school system has provided me an opportunity whereby the time to do this is now. I still have 6-8 years where I’ll be directly involved in the education system and that is critical. Every decision we make should be in the best interests of the children and I have two of them to look in the eye everyday knowing that I’m playing a part in shaping their future both at home and at school.
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