Vanessa Mitchell (Vernon + Areas B & C)
2026 Election Candidate
What measurable outcomes would define success for you after one term?
Being that trustees' focus is governance, what is upcoming is looking at the strategic plan again, and policies (updated and development) that embed equity, inclusion, reconciliation, student success. In addition, ensuring budget alignment and focus on addressing direct student services, same as we as a board have done this past term.
What do you see as the top three challenges currently facing the school district?
staffing (vacancies, wellbeing, capacity to meet increasing diverse and complex needs); student mental wellbeing; community polarization (people who hold anti-SOGI, equity, and inclusion potentially contributing to a cycle of crisis management)
What are your top priorities for improving student achievement?
student mental wellbeing (feeling welcomed, safe and a sense of belonging); equity-driven supports; diverse pathways for success (program of choice, leadership, trades, etc.)
What are your priorities for school facilities (e.g., aging infrastructure, overcrowding, environmental upgrades)?
Continue to work closely with the experts, which include the amazing Director of Facilities and overall maintenance team, who do a wonderful job at prioritizing the work and meeting district needs, and the efficient Secretary-Treasurer and team who ensure alignment to capital budget and show the Board opportunities for advocacy.
How would you like to see climate action prioritized at the governance level so that it guides decisions around infrastructure, operations, and student learning?
In policy, to support operations in their work to implement climate action priorities.
How will you monitor and improve progress toward safe, caring, and inclusive schools?
Continue to work alongside the Superintendent and receive regular reports that include student belonging and safety outcomes, absenteeism and engagement trends, and access to equitable supports. Reporting such as the Framework for Enhancing Student Learning; How Are We Doing?; Accessibility Plan and Public Feedback. Student voice (i.e. Student Trustees, IBPOC Student Leadership, Indigenous Student Leadership, Accessibility Advisory Committee).
What specific actions would you prioritize to support Indigenous student success and reconciliation?
Continue to support the work that is happening in the district through the SD22 Indigenous Education Committee, which consists of representatives from the local rights holders, Metis and urban Indigenous peoples and is outlined in the 2023-2028 kwu ckwulx Ennhancement Agreement; and through the Local Education Agreement with the rights holders; and supporting the work of the amazing Indigenous Education Department and team. Also, continue to do the work at a provincial level with the BCSTA Indigenous Education Advisory Council of which I am a co-chair.
How would you handle controversial issues and/or competing interests?
Contribute to being a strong board that holds conversations with integrity and a commitment to ethical conduct, and maintains a strong foundation rooted in the Human Rights of people (equity, inclusion, cultural safety, access...).
How will you engage meaningfully with parents, caregivers, and the broader community?
Be accessible and continue to listen. There are established pathways for engagement, such as DPAC, PACs, directly through email, and surveys. And where possible, be present at public events and gatherings within the school community, the broader community, and the Indigenous community.
