People can have great priorities, but will others support them? A trustee’s effectiveness ultimately comes down to an ability to work well with people — with community members, with the Superintendent and his staff, and with the other trustees sitting around the Board table. Six key attributes of my character hold me in excellent stead to work well with others.
- Willing to Serve
- Diligent
- Ready to Listen
- Collaborative
- Thoughtful
- Honest
First, I am willing to serve. Period.
Second, I am diligent. Being prepared to make big decisions about public education in this city requires a lot of reading to stay well-informed. It also requires being out consistently in the community and creating opportunities for dialogue and mutual learning . Being a trustee is hard work! I am up for it!
Third, I am ready to listen. I have always endeavoured to be open to the ideas of others – students, parents, community members, staff members, fellow trustees, and other elected officials. Am I perfect at this? No! However, my professional career as a children’s writer has taught me that my ideas can usually be strengthened through the contributions of others.
Fourth, I am collaborative. Finding the “win-win” for everyone is important.
Fifth, I am thoughtful. I do not make decisions lightly but try to have a full understanding of the implications for students, the community, staff and the district’s finances before voting on any decision.
Sixth, I am honest. Period.
