Meet Yellowknife's 2015 school trustee candidates

Just ahead of the Oct. 19 election, CBC North asked each candidate for the two anglophone school boards in Yellowknife to tell us a bit about themselves, their priorities and why voters should tick their name. Here are their replies, edited and condensed for brevity.

YELLOWKNIFE EDUCATION DISTRICT NO. 1

In YK1, four trustees are running for re-election, while six others have joined in the race to fillseven vacant seats

Terry Brookes

A father, grandfather, professional engineer and part-time magician, Terry Brookes has served on the board of YK1 for 21 years. "People know I make the commitment to come out to schools, listen to all points of view, do my research and stay knowledgeable in educational developments," he says.

Brookes is committed to the YK1 motto: "Educating for Life."

"This means I want children that have the ability to learn throughout their lives in an ever-changing world. It means having a good academic education supported with options in the arts, sports andtechnical areas. This must occur in an educational environment of healthy lifestyles, where students feel safe and valued, no matter their diversity."

Jay Butler

A two-term YK1 board member, Jay Butler has lived in Yellowknife for the past 20 years. He works with the territorial government as a computing professional and is active in the Rotary Club, local theatre and the pride community.

If re-elected, his top priority is the students. "I am particularly concerned about at-risk students, including gifted, marginally challenged (who with a little help will thrive), and LGBTTQ youth."

Butler also says teachers are at the core of education quality.

On why we should elect him, Butler cites his experience and his willingness to consider new perspectives.

Tina Drew

A registered nurse at Stanton hospital, Drew has spent 15 years in Yellowknife, volunteering at the schools her two boys attended and serving as chair of the N.J. Macphersonparent advisory council.

If elected, her priorities are to improve student outcomes through research-based education, to lower the student/teacher ratio in the higher grades and to create a plan to maintain YK1's schools until they're included in the territory's capital plan for renovation.

Partnership is the key to achieving greater success, Drew says. "I have been very successful in my fundraising goals for the district, in working with other organizations and YK1 administration to get new programs... and bringing forward issues of concern from parents, staff and students."

Satish Garikaparthi

Satish Garikaparthi came to Yellowknife six years ago from Mississauga, Ont., and now works as security supervisor with the Legislative Assembly.

If elected, he says he'll give higher priority to arts, music and physical education programs and make sure YK1 district school board resources are put to best use.

"As a parent voicing from cultural diversity and different ethnic backgrounds, I am going to bring a newperspective to the board and focus on new trends and directions emerging in the world of education."

Zhong Liu

Zhong Liu moved to Canada from China 13 years ago, and to Yellowknife in 2006, where he's an environmental analyst of an independent monitoring agency. He's been involved in the community ever since, fundraising following the 2008 Sichuan earthquake,working with the Yellowknife Badminton Club since 2010 and the Chinese school program since 2012.

If elected, Liuwants to minimize the impact of junior kindergarten on current programming. He also wants to promote multiculturalism andimprove special education to help kids with visible/invisible disabilities.

"I have personal interest in YK1, my son is in Grade 3 and he has nine years to go, and I want to be part of his education."

Rajiv Rawat

Born in the foothills of the Indian Himalayas, Rajiv Rawat holds a masters degree in environmental studies and has worked in many fields, from public health, to the environment, to social policy.

Since 2013, he's worked at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre where he's launched new media technologies and helped designeducational kits for school programs.

A father of two young daughters, he's interested in innovation in the classroom, including the possibility of creating a makerspace, or DIY workshop, in Yellowknife schools.He's also prepared to help YK1 facetightfinancial realities.

Allan Shortt

As a senior site superintendent working for Clark Builders, Allan Shortt is just starting work on Yellowknife's new $300 million Stanton hospital.

He's been a YK1 trustee for three terms, including three years as chair.

Shortt says he's running again to tackle unfinished business, including lobbying for school renovations and dealing with facilities.

"With my vast background in construction and managing large budgets, I would like to continue my work on the finance committee, where we try and make sure that we make quality decisions on how and where we spend ourmoney so that we can have small class sizes and provide our students a world class education."

John Simpson

In the N.W.T. since 1981, John Simpson has been a teacher, principal, community adult educator, college senior manager and owner of an education consulting firm. He's now a manager with the School of Community Government looking after municipal staff training throughout the N.W.T.

He served on the YK1 board in the 1980s and is keen to return to "plan, develop policy, communicate and lead" all aspects of the YK1 board.

"I believe that education is the answer to many of society's ills," he says. "I listen well. I am open to learning. I believe in a team approach. I do my homework and ask tough questions."

Duff Spence

"I am a lifelong Yellowknifer that believes in the value of a great education for our children and would like to be part of the next board of trustees to create an environment of success for both staff and students," says Duff Spence.

"Over my lifetime, my different roles with YK1 as a student, parent, board trustee and board chair have provided me with the experience required to be an effective trustee. As well, recently completing my MBA also provides me a solid education to work with the other trustees, in a team environment, to solidify YK1's position as an education leader in Yellowknife."

John Stephenson

John Stephenson is an expeditor and special projects coordinator for Blachford Lake Lodge and president of the Yellowknife Ski Club. A 40-year resident of Yellowknife, he's served two terms as trustee for YK1 and has beenchair for the past two years.

"I intend to continue to pursue the worthy YK1 priorities of academic achievement, inclusive education, aboriginal education and healthy lifestyles," he says. "I put high priority on healthy living, especially physical activity and leadership."

Stephenson says he has great enthusiasm and passion for education. "YK1 schools are excellent and I am keen to help support the team to make them better."

YELLOWKNIFE CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARD

For the Yellowknife Catholic School Board, all seven current trustees are running for re-election along with two newcomers.

Francis Chang

Francis Chang was born into a large family in Jamaica and has lived in Yellowknife since 1976.

If re-elected, he wants to continue to support YCS through "lobbying, volunteering in school activities and keeping the Catholic in Catholic Schools."

He'll also seek to ensure that YCS is not burdened with GNWT initiatives that put a strain on current budgets.

As the largest tax-based community in the N.W.T., Chang feels Yellowknifers should have a strong say in their education system.

"My strength is analysing, evaluating and then rolling up my sleeves to get the work done. I'm a doer."

Erin Currie

A registered nurse for 28 years and a nurse practitioner for eight, Erin Currie has been a YCS trustee and the YCS representative on the Alberta Catholic School Trustee Association for the last three years.

"Publicly funded Catholic education must always be a viable option for families," she says. "In the N.W.T. we have a legislated right to this, but not a constitutional right as in some Canadian provinces. I believe, as others do, that we will soon have to fight for our right to maintain this important choice for education."

If re-elected, her priority will be "maintaining the quality and faith-infused education that families have come to expect from YCS."

John Dalton

John Daltonis a current trustee and former chair of YCS. Self-employed, he owns YK Management.

If re-elected, Dalton will work to help students thrive. He's also prepared to address funding issues, and says an open review of the funding formula is needed. "Also, we are constantly challenged about our right to have a Catholic School system.

"Our students learn the importance of developing well founded personal values and morals, ofbeinginvolved, taking responsibility, being a part of a community and the importance of being socially responsible. All qualities needed for a vibrant, healthy living community."

Revi Lau-a

"I grew up in the N.W.T. after my family immigrated to Canada. My wife and I have three young children, ages six, three-and-a-half and one-and-a-half with my two eldest attending cole St. Joseph's School.

"I want to utilise my experience in strategic planning, change management and financial and operational oversight as a manager of strategic planning, policy and communications for the GNWT to advocate on behalf ofparents and YCS supporters to ensure that our education system is strong and viable.

"If elected, I commit to bringing a new voice and perspective to the board. I want to put my drive to improve the system for my children along with my skills and experience to work for you and your families to maintain the integrity of our Catholic school system."

Tina Schauerte

The chair of the parents' advisory committee at cole St. Joseph, Tina Schauerte is aware of how demanding public office is.

In Yellowknife since 1980, she works for the Department of National Defense and enjoys being active in the community.

"I want an opportunity to be a fresh voice, and to make a more significant contribution toour Catholic school system.

"I am interested in representing parents, and working on their behalf with the department of education to address difficult matters such as funding challenges for junior kindergarten, or with special needs assistance."

Amy Simpson

A lifelong Yellowknifer and graduate of St. Patrick High School, Amy Simpson has served as a YCS trustee for nine years and is eager to continue now that she has three children in the school system.

"My first priority is to ensure that the students of YCS receive the highest quality education possible," she says. "YCS schools must be safe and welcoming environments that offer skill development (with a focus on strong literacy and numeracy skills) to meet the needs of a variety of learners.

"YCS graduates must be ready and able to confidently take their next step, whether that is into the workforce, on to trades training or to post-secondary."

If re-elected, she vows to speak up for parents, children and staff while being careful to use district resources wisely.

Simon Taylor

Simon Taylor is the current chair of YCS. No further information was submitted.

Steven Voytilla

Born and raised in the N.W.T., Steven Voytilla is currently one of the N.W.T. government's chief negotiators for the Department of Aboriginal Affairs.

A self-described "moderate Catholic," his priority, if re-elected, would be to continue to improve the quality of education YCS delivers. Voytilla would ensure YCS is being fiscally responsible while getting the funding it needs from the GNWT. He would also work towards greater inclusion so all students have equal opportunities.

"My interest in Yellowknife Catholic Schools goes beyond civic pride or a desire to serve the public: the decisions of the Yellowknife Catholic School Board will affect my children's education."

Miles Welsh

Miles Welsh has lived in Yellowknife for 30 years,with children in YCS since 1993. He's been a member of the parent advisory committeefor 14 years and a YCS trustee for three two of those as vice-chair.

"Two of my priorities are advocating for adequate funding and continuing to engage parents and guardians," Welsh says.

"At YCS, we need to ensure that we continue to support innovative, modern curriculum. However, we also need to ensure that our funding partners understand that these initiatives cannot be introduced without proper resources."