On Oct. 20, Prince George residents will pick one mayor, eight councillors and five school trustees. The ballot will have two mayoral candidates, 13 councillor candidates and 11 school trustee candidates. There are also 15 candidates running in the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George.
PrinceGeorgeMatters has sent out a list of questions to those vying for a seat in public office.
Name: Bruce Wiebe
Running for: School trustee
Age: 64
Occupation: Retired
Reason community would recognize your name: My family and I moved to Prince George in 1977, where I continued my teaching career in SD 57. In 1987, my wife, three children and I moved to Dunster where I began my administrative career as a principal. In 1989 we moved to McBride and I continued in the principal role. After six years in McBride, we moved back to the City of Prince George and I continued in the principal role at Hixon Elementary for five years, Nukko Lake Elementary for three years, Malaspina Elementary for three years and retired from Vanway Elementary after five years in 2012. I ran and was elected as a school trustee in 2014 and have been part of the current school board for four years.
What is the most important issue facing the School District 57, and how do you propose to deal with it?
The Prince George school district is a progressive and team-oriented organization full of very fine people focused on providing the best educational opportunities for each and every student across our whole district. Over the past four years, we have seen our board work to implement new curriculum to provide students with relevant and hands-on learning and application. We have sought our students input through our District Student Advisory Council. We have worked with local and provincial governments and our unions to reopen Springwood Elementary School and the building of a new Kelly Road Secondary School. We have ensured that our rural communities where treated equally and fairly and provided extra funding to help with learning goals. Our school board listened to our rural communities through our Rural Education Report and used that input to support our rural schools. We have worked with our communities and district staff to gather input and create our strategic plan for School District 57. As well, that plan is being operationalized across our district. This board has presented reports to government encouraging a stronger team approach across all ministries to help our vulnerable population have greater access to the supports that are so important. Our Aboriginal students' graduation rates are improving but we as a board still need to see greater success.
Although we as the current school board have given considerable time to our Long Range Facility Plan, one area that will continue to need input and direction is our schools' capacity needs and school enrolment catchment areas. Many of our schools are at or near full capacity, and direction and adjustments may need to be made to accommodate all students in SD 57 buildings.
What is your specific reason for running?
I am also a grandparent with currently four grandchildren attending School District 57, Prince George schools. While I know we have a good school district and caring educational professionals, I believe that there are always ways to grow and learn. I want all students, including my grandchildren, to have the best learning opportunities that we as parents and educators can provide to our children. I believe I have a responsibility to help our school district to continue to work together and get even better.
Where can the school board spend less/more?
School District 57 is one of the largest employers in northern B.C. Because education is a people job, approximately 85 per cent of our budget goes to salaries and benefits. That means our school district has a large budget, that the school board as the trustees are responsible for how the money is spent. Importantly, as school trustees, we must always keep in our minds that these are taxpayer dollars and should be used wisely and effectively. We must ensure that the budget is always balanced and meets any restrictions that have been placed on the dollars by the Ministry of Education. Of course, our focus is on student learning and how the dollars can be used to provide the best learning opportunities. In addition, we have to ensure that safety, warmth, clean, healthy buildings and transportation costs are covered in our budget. I know there are many facets and costs involved in the education of our students. As a trustee, it is important to me that the money is focused on student learning success and that it is fair to all parts of the district to meet these goals.
Next time you’re walking in the woods and you come face-to-face with a Sasquatch, what do you do?
If I were walking in the woods and I came face to face with a Sasquatch, I would probably pass out. If I didn’t pass out, I would take photos and post on Facebook.
If the next school board does something film-worthy, who would play you in the film?
School boards always do something film-worthy, but if it were made into a movie, Arnold Schwarzenegger would play me. Think Kindergarten Cop .
Complete the sentence...
When I’m not at home or at work, you can find me:...outside walking or travelling with my wife.
The most random, yet interesting fact about me is: I was part of the Sardis Secondary School Senior Band and we played for Canada at the Canadian Pavillion in Osaka, Japan at Expo 1970.
My favourite beverage is: Apple Cinnamon Tea
For Christmas/Hanukkah/the gift-giving season, I would like:...guitar lessons.
The best park in/near to Prince George is:...Duchess Park Playground because it offers lots of choice for kids, especially grandkids.
When I need some pump-up music, I listen to: Jan and Dean
