Every pupil counts in Gloria Jackson’s eyes

It’s while sitting with a bunch of young students it hits home for Gloria Jackson:

“I’m partially responsible for these young lives.”

Jackson is seeking re-election for a second time as School Board 28 trustee.

Jackson first ran in the 2004 byelection taking third spot. SD28 was only looking for two board members.

In 2005 she decided to run again, securing her seat with the board.

Now she seeks re-election because “there’s a lot in motion and I would like to continue to be a part of that.”

And while she admits the work of a trustee can be challenging, she also says there’s “never a dull moment.”

“It’s a good feeling being a part of something worthwhile,” she said.

“We all know the kids come first.”

Jackson takes a particular interest in at-risk and vulnerable students in the district.

She says it’s not just about teaching students to read and write, it’s about teaching them life skills.

“Success for one student might mean becoming a lawyer or a doctor,” she said.

“While for another it might mean being a carpenter or working with computers.”

Because, she says, every students needs are different and they need to keep that focus.

Which is one of the reasons Jackson is in favour of the restructuring plan, one which sees the 2009-10 year with Grades 8 and 9 in Quesnel secondary (soon to be junior secondary) and 10-12s at Correlieu school.

“We were losing some of our Grade 8s,” she said, pointing to “culture shock” as a big contributor.

“This system will provide a lot of support for them, a different model.

“The smaller learning environment and program focus is very exciting.”

As for the senior students, they too will benefit, she said, as the district can offer their senior students more.

But there’s still a lot of work to be done, she cautions.

“We have to meet with all of our partner groups and work out the details as best we can,” she said.

“Then as we make the change, we’ll have to keep a close eye on it.”

And even with a few kinks, she strongly feels the change will be a positive one for the students, and that, she said, is what they’re there for.

“I don’t feel we are doing the students justice [the old way],” she said.

“This way we can offer them what they need.”

It’s all about moving forward, she said. Just like the district did with StrongStart Centres and identifying programs for at-risk and vulnerable students.

“We’re successful in our continued collaboration with our partner groups,” she said.

“We’re all working together for student achievement.”

Municipal elections are Nov. 15.