Mary Jukes PSSD Trustee Candidate - Subdivision Six (Moose Jaw)

1) Why have you chosen to run for a school board trustee?

I believe I have served PSSD #210, its staff, students, parents and community stakeholders well these past four years and would welcome the opportunity to do so again. I am a passionate, lifelong learner who believes my education and experience have equipped me well in the role of trustee and that I have made a positive difference in the lives of those I have served.

2) What qualifications do you bring to the board if elected--- these may include degrees etc. but also life lessons as well?

I am a retired educator of 30+ years, having been a student, teacher, guidance counsellor, vice principal, principal, STF representative, board member of PSSD, as well as a parent and grandparent. I have served on many boards over the years and am currently on the boards of Moose Jaw Non Profit Housing Authority and the Thunder Creek Rehabilitation Association. I believe my experience in all these roles has given me the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary to the board of education table. I am proud of what the Board of PSSD accomplished since I began serving on it in 2016.

3) Why should people vote for you?

People should vote for me because in the past 4 years I have proven that I am a qualified, capable trustee. My experience and roles, both personal and professional, give me valuable insight to the position of a trustee, aiding me in making informed decisions. My motto, “it takes each of us to make a difference for all of us” supports my approachable and transparent work ethic. I will always give my opinion but will actively promote the decision of the board majority. My underlying goal in all that I do is to enhance the lives of others, in the case of board work, it is the lives of students, staff, parents and community stakeholders.

4) What do you see as the biggest challenge in education today?

I believe the biggest challenge in education is adequate government funding that will allow boards to address the needs of a growing and diverse population.

5) Schools are changing with a very diverse student body—such as those of different races, language, cultures, disabilities, sexual orientation, varying faiths, economic standing and others—how would you make the school system better so that everyone had not the same opportunity but a fair and equitable opportunity to reach their full potential?

Having served for four years as a trustee for PSSD #210, I believe that school boards are continually working collaboratively with all other stakeholders in education to address these needs. The biggest barrier to meeting these is funding. We must all work to ensure that funding education and health are our provincial and federal governments’ priority.

6) What role do you see a school trustee playing in today’s educational system?

A school board is responsible for the governance of its school division. Among a board member’s duties are: -making budget decisions for the funding the division receives and ensuring accountability for its decisions. -establishing procedures for the management and supervision of schools -providing and maintaining schools, equipment and facilities -determining policies for staffing including, number of staff, grades offered in a school, size of classrooms, and programs offered -making decisions about busing and transportation

7) As a trustee you are elected in a specified district but in reality, you are a trustee at large and represent students throughout the division. Can you tell me if you are a rural trustee how would you represent an urban resident or on the other side of the coin if you are an urban trustee how would you represent a rural resident?

In my 4 years serving on the PSSD #210 I have considered all students in PSSD, urban or rural, to be my constituents and my responsibility. I have been grateful for collaboration with rural trustees who provided me with information pertaining to our rural contexts. This has enabled me to make more informed decisions on relevant issues the scope of which I otherwise may not have fully understood.

8) Moose Jaw is in the midst of building a new school on South Hill. Although it is a big accomplishment there has been concerns raised by some residents on various issues regarding the new school. Can you tell me how you would work with the community to ally those fears?

The current board of PSSD, along with the Holy Trinity School Board has made every effort to engage in a collaborative public consultation, through forums, surveys and open and transparent conversations. I am confident both boards will continue to do so until the completion of the new joint school.

9) What would you like the students to say about their time at school?

I would love students to say that school was the best time of their life and that it has played a large part in the person they have become.