BELIEFS

I passionately believe that public education must be safeguarded to ensure that our children receive the best education possible.  We have seen the erosion of learning conditions, resources, programs and opportunities for our children due to under-funding in the system.  We must ensure that our children become productive, self-sufficient, and responsible citizens of tomorrow and provide opportunities to address all learners.  Trustees have an obligation to ensure that every child is treated fairly, equitably, and respectfully. 

SOME OF THE ISSUES

1. School closures

I am fundamentally opposed to the closing of schools as an answer to create more funding .  The Ministry of Education has an obligation to every child in the province to provide appropriate funding for learning and to provide safe and appropriate learning environments.  Declining enrolment will reverse in a few years according to statistics provided by both the district and the ministry.

2. Bill 33
   Bill 33 was enacted without the necessary funding to make it a reasonable safeguard for class size and composition.  Trustees must be vocal and willing to take a stand to send a real picture of the district’s classrooms.  The increases in the number of special needs students without support and the increases in class size in this district are simply not appropriate.
   
   
3. Communication
   Communication between all stakeholders must be improved.  Real and respectful dialogue is necessary for this district to move forward in the best possible direction.   Elected official must learn from, and listen respectfully to, the stakeholders involved in providing the best possible learning situations for our children.  Working together will make our district stronger.
   
   
4. FSA and standardized testing
   Testing for testing sake  or to “grade” individual schools is counterproductive to real learning.  Authentic assessment is the real measure of a student’s progress.  Students learn differently; they respond to ideas and skills differently; and they must be encouraged to fulfill their individual potential without labels superimposed upon them.  To judge an entire school on one measure, one time, is educationally ridiculous and non-productive. The success of a struggling student, the success of the artist, the musician, or the athlete among others is not, and can’t be, measured by artificial standards of achievement.
   

LEADERSHIP ROLES

• Vice President of the Nanaimo District Teachers Association 2 years
  
• President of NDTA 5 years
  
• School Associate for UVic student teacher internship program
  
• English Department Head Woodlands/NDSS
  
• NDTA Executive:  secretary, learning and working chair, secondary school rep
  
• Staff committee chair:  NDSS/Woodlands
  
• Staff rep school level:  NDSS/Woodlands
  
• Member BC Provincial English Teachers Association
  
• Training in:  conflict resolution, mediation, and negotiation
  
• NDTA representative SD#68 Education Committee
  
•                                     SD #68 Human Resource Committee
  
•                                     SD #68 Business Committee
  
•                                     SD #68 Central Safety Committee                                   
  
• Delegate to the Nanaimo, Duncan, and District Labour Council
  
• Delegate to the BC Federation of Labour
  
• Director Hidden Heroes Educational Society
  
• Director Open Minds Open Windows
  
• Member of the Nanaimo Retired Teachers’ Association
  

 PERSONAL INFORMATION

I was born and raised in Nanaimo and graduated from NDSS. I have lived in Harewood, Yellowpoint and currently reside in Nanaimo.  I have a Bachelor’s Degree in English and History, a Diploma in Secondary Education, and a Master’s Degree in Administrative Leadership.

I have taught most of my career in Nanaimo at NDSS and then at Woodlands Secondary.   I served as vice-president, then president of the Nanaimo District Teachers’ Association for seven years, then retired in 2007.

I am married to Denis who is also a retired teacher and have three stepchildren and a Beagle named Reilly.

PERSONAL STATEMENT

I believe that I have the skills, knowledge, and experience to be an asset to the Board of Education in the Nanaimo/Ladysmith School District.  My passion for the rights of children and for public education has always given me the energy to continue to work toward providing the very best opportunities for all our students.

The Time Is NOW!!

I post this note to encourage all citizens in School District 68 to get out to vote for Carol McNamee for School Board Trustee. I have known Carol to be a hard working and a well respected advocate in advancing education for all. Carol brings with her a wealth of experience in negotiations, understanding the funding issues for School Boards and the ability to work with both parents, students, the provinical government and other board members to make positive change occur. Carol has been an active observor at School Board meetings and is well aware of the issues and challenges ahead. If you care about education in Nanaimo-Ladysmith you should be voting for Carol McNamee.

Darlene Thorburn