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Penticton Votes: Meet school trustee candidate Kate Hansen

Candidates running for a seat on SD67 school board were asked 3 education questions
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Retired Penticton RCMP officer Kate Hansen is running for a seat as a school trustee. (Submitted)

The Penticton Western News will be providing coverage of all candidates in the 2022 municipal election. Each candidate for School District 67 Penticton school trustee has been asked to provide a short bio and answer 3 questions below. Here are Kate Hansen’s bio and answers:

Kate Hansen recently retired from the RCMP after 29 years. She was the Penticton DARE officer, teaching children safety and decision-making skills. Kate is a mom, a children’s book author and volunteers every Sunday to teach children’s liturgy at St. John Vianney church. Penticton is Kate’s hometown, and she wishes to make a meaningful contribution to the community.

1. The long-term facilities plan will be decided in the term you are elected. If it is determined that the best way to use educational spaces is to close a school, are you in favour of doing that?

Closing schools should always be the last resort. However, when maintenance costs outweigh good use of our educational spaces, closures must be considered. At the end of the day, we want to provide the best resources for our teachers and students, in the safest environments.

2. What are the most pressing needs within the Okanagan Skaha School District?

Improved mental health support for our youth.

Getting resources into the hands of our students.

Ensuring our children are getting the best possible education through community consultation.

3. What qualifies you to be a school trustee?

Over the course of my 29 year career with the RCMP, I taught thousands of children the DARE program. My last 5 years have been teaching in Penticton middle schools, and I have spoken at length with both students and teachers, as to what is working, and where there are gaps. I also have a child in our school system, and I want her – and all children - to receive the best possible education. My strengths are strategic thinking, integrity and community service.

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