Karin Kwan

[Karin Kwan @KarinKwan]

@jonfrbr @PaulaMarchese @CapitalDailyVic @RobPaynterSD61 @JordanWatters_ @SachaForSD61 @jimmythompson__ I didn't receive any survey at all - OG or reminder!

[Karin Kwan @KarinKwan]

We are A)under-projecting revenues B)over-projecting expenses C)both on average by $6M/year. If we build in more of a rish factor to our budgeting process, we don't need to see ANY cuts to student programs/services. (*note - figures taken from SD61 Financial Statements) /7

[Karin Kwan @KarinKwan]

We've seen a lot of cuts to student programs/services over the past couple of years in SD61. It took private funds to keep the Elementary School strings program running for this school year and Custodial services for Elementary was also severely cut with last year's budget. /1

[Karin Kwan @KarinKwan]

2) The current Board of Education of SD61 is not willing to take enough risk with budgeting. Analysis (pictured below) has shown that over the past 6 years, the district has overprojected a deficit by almost $6M/year /6

[Karin Kwan @KarinKwan]

@jonfrbr @jwsthomson @PaulaMarchese Last year's budget committee had very little stakeholder input due to many leaving the table following the suspension action by the board

[Karin Kwan @KarinKwan]

@jonfrbr @jwsthomson Last year @PaulaMarchese and I suggested students be included in the committee but the majority of the committe thought students would be better served by other means of participation (such as surveys)

[Karin Kwan @KarinKwan]

@jonfrbr @EmilyMahbobi @GagnonForSD61 @anarchistfish @hellodaphna @j_vangyn @SachaForSD61 @mcstravick_kyle @CalloEsther @StrandlundTyson @joyfulschools 1) a very large portion of families were against these sales 2) with current funding being at a crisis level, these land sales were not fiscally beneficial to students. (2/2)

[Karin Kwan @KarinKwan]

@jonfrbr @EmilyMahbobi @GagnonForSD61 @anarchistfish @hellodaphna @j_vangyn @SachaForSD61 @mcstravick_kyle @CalloEsther @StrandlundTyson @joyfulschools A trustee's fiduciary duty is to students. IMO recent land sales were not in their best interest. Two major reasons inform this opinion: (1/2)

[Karin Kwan @KarinKwan]

@jonfrbr @jwsthomson @sd61schools Adding additional staff will not solve the problem. We need trustees that have excellent communication skills. It is important to listen (really listen and HEAR). As a trustee, I'm not at the table to serve my own agenda, I'm there to represent students, families and community.

[Karin Kwan @KarinKwan]

@jonfrbr @jwsthomson @sd61schools The current SI has only recently been announced as permanent in SD61 (June 2022). I believe it's too early to re-evaluate compensation for this role. However, when the time comes: 1) Set clear goals for growth and 2) increases mirror what other employees in SD61 are seeing.

[Karin Kwan @KarinKwan]

@jonfrbr @jwsthomson @sd61schools Making sure we keep crossing guards at crosswalks near schools, consistently working with municipalities to ensure lighting, sidewalks, and crosswalks are maintained, planned programming with local Road Safety groups and peer to peer learning (mentorship and sharing knowledge).

[Karin Kwan @KarinKwan]

@jonfrbr @jwsthomson Yes, I agree with this policy. I believe it is important to make our schools as safe and inclusive as possible.

[Karin Kwan @KarinKwan]

@jonfrbr @jwsthomson I've either attended (either via zoom or YouTube) or contributed to most Board meetings over the past couple of years. I also sat on the SD61 Budget Advisory Committee last year (2021/22)

[Karin Kwan @KarinKwan]

@jonfrbr @jwsthomson I would LOVE to see more input at Board, Committee and Budget meetings from students, parents and the community. Not all parents and students are able to attend Board meetings. I would like to see increased access to trustees that's accessible in their own school community.

[Karin Kwan @KarinKwan]

@jonfrbr @jwsthomson Hi Jon!👋 No, I will not oppose funding. However I think it's important for all students to have access to these programs. So what I WILL do is look for ways so that all SD61 students have the same access.

[Sacha Christensen for SD61 School Board @SachaForSD61]

Great to run into @KarinKwan at last night’s Victoria Labour Council meeting! Always nice to talk to other candidates looking to put #studentsfirst in #sd61