We sent the following three questions to the five candidates for Halifax Regional School Board. We asked candidates to keep their replies to questions to 200 characters, and to no more than 300 words for their reasons for running.
We did not receive a reply from Morton Simmonds. If we receive his reply, we will include it on our 2016 HRM Municipal Campaigns webpage, http://www.easternshorecooperator.ca/2016_hrm_municipal_elections
Answers from 2016 Halifax Regional School Boa
Can you please tell us why you are running for HRSB school board member for District 1 and what your background is?
Kent Smith
I was born and raised in Sheet Harbour and graduated from Duncan MacMillan High School in 1997. After high school, I made the exciting decision to attend McGill University in Montreal where I received a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 2002. Upon graduation from McGill, I moved back to Nova Scotia and began working with my father at Eastern Shore Cartage (ESC) - a dynamic company based in Sheet Harbour providing a variety of services including garbage removal, recycling, trucking & snow plowing. I climbed the ladder at ESC and ultimately purchased my father’s shares in 2011. After owning the company for four years, the Royal Environmental Group approached me in 2015 with an offer to purchase ESC and I accepted.
I have always had a strong desire to be a positive influence within my community, which is evident from my contributions to both the Sheet Harbour Chamber of Commerce and the Musquodoboit Harbour & Area Chamber of Commerce & Civic Affairs. The sale of my company in 2015 has afforded me the necessary time to put my name forth for this position on the HRSB. I chose running for HRSB because I relish the opportunity to have a direct impact on our education system, and in particular provide the Board with a uniquely rural perspective. I also believe my skill set will be an asset to the Board - specifically my business background as it relates to the fiscal responsibilities. Owning a successful company requires disciplined budgeting, prioritizing and decision-making – skills I developed over time which are vital to the HRSB.
Please do not hesitate to contact me via email ([email protected]) or Facebook (Kent Smith for HRSB District 1) if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you for your consideration - make sure to vote on October 15th!
Bridget Boutilier
(Please see Bridget Boutilier’s advertisement in this issue for details on her background and her work as the incumbent School Board member.)
Elizabeth Lively
As a parent to 3 young boys, I’m eager to be part of the team creating positive learning environments for our children and young people. What started as a simple curiosity into school policies and procedures has led me to pursue official appointment with the Board.
Growing up in a little neighborhood in North End Dartmouth gave me a lot of respect for what community and schools can do when they work together. I’m committed to strengthening the relationship between school and home and community for our district.
With 10+ years experience as a researcher behind me, I have a strong understanding of gathering information and clearly and concisely presenting the findings. My most recent assignment involved Adaptive Learning Strategies, which still fascinates me.
Before I began work in research, I had the opportunity to work with the Sackville’s Senior Advisory Council. What an awesome experience I must say! During my time there, I lead in many areas including: fundraising, support, sponsorships, training and event coordination.
The focus of my campaign, “Get Schooled", is to strengthen communication among parents, students, teachers and their school and communities.
It’s about being in the know! The goal is to promote positive engagement on improvements to school policies & procedures, and student rights & responsibilities. The intent always to higher our standards of education and school safety for all students.
In closing, I would be honored to serve as your dedicated school board representative and I promise to always have an open ear to your comments and concerns
Steve Brine
I am running to be the School Board member for District 1 because I want all students to have equal opportunities to reach their potential.
I will hold the Superintendent accountable to make this happen through the business plan and board policies.
- I was your Board Member for District 1 from 2008- 2012
- Vice Chair of the Board for 2 years and Audit Chair for 2 years
- Second VP for NSSBA (Nova Scotia School Board Association
- Board Member of SIP (School Insurance Program)
- Lived and taught in District 1 for 30 years (Elementary, Junior High and High School)
- 4 Children and 4 Grandchildren
- Coached Youth for 35 years
- Director/ Coach for various organizations
- Community Schools Instructor
- Business Owner/ Operator in the District
- Chartered member of the Musquodoboit Harbour Lions Club
- Executive Member of the Legion Branch 161 for 2 years
- Member of the Tourism Association on the Eastern Shore
Question 1: What do you think are the top 3 concerns for students and schools in the Eastern Shore/Musquodoboit Valley portion of your area?
Kent Smith
Quality. Receive high-quality education at each grade level.
Enrollment. From 2011-2015 enrollment at ESDH/DMHS/MRHS was down 16.6%.
Age of institutions. ESDH (1965) and DMHS (1963) are 51 and 53 years old, respectively.
Bridget Boutilier
From primary to graduation students will always be full of anxiety. There is peer pressure (from who their friends will be to the clothes they wear.) Different schools have different needs (split classes to required courses). Some schools are struggling to provide a cafeteria while others need more student parking.
Elizabeth Lively
I would like to visit each of the schools within District 1 and get to know the facilities. My interests are in assessing the current transportation, technology and building needs, but as an elected representative of the community my directives will come from my supporters. I look forward to hearing your comments & concerns.
Steve Brine
1. Upgrades in technology, equipment and infrastructure
2. At the P-3 level emphasis on staffing for Learning Centres, Resource, and Literacy/ Math Coaches
3. More course options at High Schools
Question 2: Do you think Eastern Shore District High School and/or Gaetz Brook Junior High School should be replaced in the next few years?
Kent Smith
ESDH should absolutely be replaced. Notwithstanding the recent renovations – which are great - a new facility for the students and communities surrounding Musquodoboit Harbour is long overdue.
Bridget Boutilier
ESDH is the oldest high school in our Board that does not have all the modern facilities as the other high schools. We do not have a proper cafeteria or a high school gymnasium. We are fortunate to have an excellent staff. There are community members working very hard to get a new high school in this District.
Elizabeth Lively
The decision to replace a school is a biggie, and doesn’t happen overnight. Without reviewing an extensive projection review I simply could never answer that question.
Steve Brine
If ESDH can't be properly renovated with its own drinkable water, then a new school is required. Gaetz Brook Junior High needs to be replaced.
Question 3: Years ago before HRSB was formed and before Stock Transportation was contracted for bus service, the school board ran the buses. School bus drivers were also custodians for the local school during the day when not driving the bus – this allowed for easier and cheaper school access to buses for school trips and after school activities and sports teams. Since the Stock Transportation contract, rural areas have been adversely affected by not being able to have as many if any school trips, and student participation in extracurricular activities have been severely impacted because of lack of transportation.
What do you propose to do to help students be able to participate in afterschool activities in our rural areas?
Kent Smith
The Board plays a key role with annual budgets. I would advocate for a portion of the budget to be allocated to rural transportation to ensure equal opportunities for all students in the HRSB.
Bridget Boutilier
I always advocate for the students. Our Superintendent is very aware of how difficult it is for our students to take part in after school activities. To the best of my knowledge Stock works through the school to see what can be done to accommodate students.
Elizabeth Lively
I believe outside contracts definitely hold its benefits. From safety to coordination to experience etc. School trips are based on budgets allocated from HRSB. In terms of afterschool activities, I would be happy to discuss a strategy that could work for your area.
Steve Brine
Buses were provided once a week when Stock first took over, but were not used enough so they were taken away. I would ask that the after school buses be reevaluated.
