Brett Hagan PSSD Trustee Candidate - Subdivision Six (Moose Jaw)

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

- I worked as an Educational Assistant with Prairie South from 2005 to 2019 and have always been passionate about education, particularly from the perspective of the children and families public education is designed for. I have moved on in my career but remain focused on the needs of our young people, and I believe the education system is the best way to reach them. Now that my time as an Educational Assistant is behind me, I want to pursue my passion for education in another way. I hope this can be done by being involved in the administrative and decision-making side of education.

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

- I received my Educational Assistant certificate from SIAST in 2005 and worked for Prairie South in that position, full-time or casual, up until last year. Working directly in the classroom, I was able to see first-hand the challenges educators and students face. I feel my time in multiple schools and classrooms, seeing a diverse student body, will be a valuable asset as a board member. Two years ago I received my Personal Trainer certificate through CanFitPro and am a personal trainer at Main Street Strength and Conditioning. I'm very passionate about mental health and after making some major changes in my fitness and wellness almost five years ago, I try my best to help and support others on their own physical and mental journeys. I coached football at Central Collegiate for 12 years and stilll help out as a trainer when I have time. 

I was born and raised in Moose Jaw and love this city. I support local businesses as much as I can. Although I have no kids of my own, I am a proud uncle to my niece and nephew and spend as much time as I can with them and my sister. Over the past few years, I have been more engaged in municipal politics and in the last year have also been more aware of provincial politics. With my time working in schools and life experience thus far, I think I'd make a good trustee.

3. Why should people vote for you?

-  My time coaching at Central, directing plays at Peacock after high school, and working at the gym have helped me work well collaboratively. I also feel that boards work best when they have a diverse range of people on them. This should consist of diversity in age, educational background, knowledge, and experience in the field and in life. It's also essential to possess a drive to see change and growth as a positive thing. I feel that with my experience and knowledge, I bring a multitude of valuable attributes to the board.

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

- I feel it is a combination of several things:  the increasing class sizes, the changing needs of a diverse student body, and how to adapt to new ways of engaging our students. I think another challenge is the conflict between what our city, board, and families want for education and what students' vision is for their educational experience.

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

- A diverse student body creates an incredible opportunity for our students, families, and our community. It challenges us to view circumstances from a different perspective than the status quo or ‘how we’ve always’ done things, and that really motivates me. I am interested in learning more about the diversity needs within our public schools, so I can help build the educational community which flourishes within its diverse student body. With such a diverse range of needs and demands, it is time for positive change. I'd like to be more progressive-minded when it comes to education. We talk of inclusion and diversity a lot, now is the time to put those words into action.

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

- I feel as a trustee we should listen to all questions and concerns brought forth from the families, staff, and students, working together towards making the best decision possible. A trustee follows what The Education Act of 1995 states, which outlines the roles and responsibilities of the board. This Act helps a trustee with daily decision making and brings them to the administration and the Director. The board will work with other boards around the province to help address specific needs to our schools. 

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?

- Rural and urban residents also represent an opportunity to explore diversity, as both groups have unique concerns and considerations when it comes to education as a public service. Understanding there are different needs between urban and rural residents is something we as a board can work collaboratively on, to come up with the best possible solution to help both rural and urban alike.

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 would you work with the community to ally those fears?

- Seing that I am coming into a situation that has already been decided upon, I would like to hear about all of those concerns and do my best to help represent those concerns at the school board. It is my goal to work collaboratively towards making the best decision we can as a board, for the students and families who will be attending the new school prior to it’s opening. 

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

- I hope students would say they enjoyed their time at school; they made lasting memories not only in the classroom with their teachers and friends, but also by creating a sense of community with the whole school. For those graduating, I hope they leave school as confident individuals, having acquired valuable skills they can take with them through life. I want these students to feel ready to put their knowledge to use; I hope they learned, and are ready and willing, to be productive members of society.