Cindy Lise is running for a seat on the board of the Cowichan Valley school district.
Lise worked in the district as an education assistant for 18 years before moving on to community organizations.
She said she had the honour of working in alternate, elementary, middle and high schools with thousands of children and hundreds of staff and administrators.
“I understand the system and have gratitude for all it does,” Lise said.
“My knowledge was enhanced through working as the regional facilitator of Success By 6 and currently, our Cowichan Communities Health Network. Collaborating with diverse community partners is where I grew my skill set of strategic, critical thinking and problem solving through working on multi-faceted complex challenges.”
Lise said her leadership style is to bring her authentic self to the table.
She said she is open minded, creative, flexible, and dependable.
“I am now coming full circle and am ready to give back to our school district, administration, parents and the students in this region,” Lise said.
“Our students are living in a time of great changes which brings great opportunities and requires us to ensure that the education we provide meets our students’ unique needs and prepares them for the future.”
She said she will address literacy and numeracy following the pandemic to ensure students are on track; make sure that the existing resources for mental health and wellness are meeting the needs of students; stand with the board of education and implement the Community of Care Pledge; and work to increase funding and supports for diverse learners and advocate at a provincial level for additional funding.
“I will also work in collaboration with community partners on the social determinants of health so our school district can find ways to support students struggling with poverty, hunger, racism, lack of housing or transportation,” Lise said.
“I will bring experience in policy development, board governance and collective problem solving. I am a proud member of Students First Team.”
The Students First Team shares a commitment to working together to create an environment where children can be their best selves, realizing skills and a love of learning that benefits them for life. Members of the team look at decisions with a students first lens. Each member of the Students First Team brings their own opinions to the table and are committed to reaching values-based decisions through civil, thoughtful discussion.
Team members are Elizabeth Croft, Johanne Kemmler, Cindy Lise, Jennifer Strachen and Joe Thorne.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cindy.lise.94