Rob Hutchins is running for a seat on School District 79 board of trustees.
I have a passion for the Cowichan Valley, my home since 1965.
After 21 years as the mayor of Ladysmith and director for the CVRD, including five years as CVRD board chair, in the 2014 election I decided to change things up a bit and was elected as a Cowichan Valley School District 79 trustee and a councillor for the Town of Ladysmith.
For 2018, I am excited to run for re-election for school district trustee with a focus on three long-term goals:
• An early-years effort to ensure all children are ready for school. Early success is key to long-term success and many of our children are entering school not ready to learn.
• Increasing our six-year graduation rate from 82 per cent to 95 per cent. Education is a key determinant of health and well-being. Today, 18 per cent of our youth are entering adulthood without a Dogwood Diploma.
• A new Cowichan Secondary School. Our children need to learn in a modern, safe, facility.
I am not seeking re-election as a councillor for Ladysmith.
I am dedicated to the health and success of our community and contribute to this in many ways.
I have co-chaired Our Cowichan Communities Health Network since its formation in 2010, and also had the privilege of co-chairing the Cowichan Watershed Board for four and a half years.
I am an active member of the Community Task Force to bring a Hospice House to the Cowichan Valley.
As a classroom teacher and/or a high school counsellor for 36 years, I have taught all grades from three to 12, and am presently serving as a high school counsellor at Ladysmith Secondary.
My wife Susan and I have five adult children and five grandchildren. Our family owns and operates the Old Town Bakery and the Wild Poppy Bistro on First Avenue, Ladysmith.
With your support, I look forward to being a positive force on the board of school trustees.