School trustee Laura Dixon announced Monday (Oct. 3) she is seeking a second term on the Delta Board of Education.
"Delta School District is thriving and one reason is that we all work hard to tailor our education system in Delta to help every student achieve their full potential," Dixon stated in a press release.
Of course, there are challenges and Dixon said she wants to continue to focus on steps that can be taken locally to enhance public education in Delta.
Dixon has been involved at both the local board level and with British Columbia School Trustees Association and said that Increasing costs and funding issues resulting from the current education
funding formula, combined with the declining enrollment in Delta, are a difficult reality.
"These issues have been regularly brought forward directly from our board and through BCSTA to the Ministry of Education for action, but it is not enough to simply complain," she said. "Advocacy to the provincial government is important, but local action is critical."
Dixon noted the Delta School Board has been innovative and cited examples such as specialized academies and international student programs.
"We offer unique opportunities to our students while providing additional revenue through increases in enrollment and international student fees," she said. "The Delta School District has been a leader on many fronts including reducing our carbon footprint and our operating costs through energy-saving geothermal projects. Innovation continues while we maintain the fifth-lowest administration costs out of 60 school districts in the province."
Dixon said some of the most gratifying work she experienced over the last term included developing new partnerships which benefit the community. "Through the School Board/Council Liaison Committee we've been able to have some really good input and discussion around some key projects in the community including the Delta Sports Development Centre and the new community gym at the South Delta Recreation Centre."