Energy efficient school buildings provide a better learning environment for students and staff. It’s also less costly to operate which helps our school operating budget and provides more funding for student learning. More energy efficient schools also contribute less emissions to our environment which is beneficial to all.

Many parents drive their children to school. Parents should give consideration towards car pooling. There’s less pollution, less crowding in the school parking lots during the morning and afternoon.

Wise heating and energy efficient buildings go hand in hand. Heating should be set to automatically reduce after school is over. The same with lights. There are cost savings which improves our general budget and also helps our environment.

Promoting walking and cycling helps our children develop good physical health and improve life long fitness. It reduces car traffic and vehicle pollution as well. Schools can help by providing adequate bike racks which would encourage children to ride more often.

This should be a basic human right. We are all humans. We may have different opinions and beliefs but that’s the hallmark of a democracy. If we start denying public service to some because sexual orientation or gender identity, we are in a slippery slope and not coming back.

Long term planning is important, otherwise it’s easy to become distracted and we end up making decisions based on first come, first serve. Effective long term planning allows you time to manage situations before the situation manages you. There are always short term issues which come forward and they need to be dealt with in a priority setting but long term planning allows you see what’s on the horizon and prepare instead of reacting because you’re unprepared.

Engaged students find school rewarding and positive. If students are engaged in courses which they find interesting and rewarding, they have a reason to stay in school longer and graduating with a desire to pursue that interest. If a student is bored or unengaged, there’s a greater opportunity for them to drop out which means as they get older, it becomes harder to get into meaningful work and become an independent, self sufficient person.

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Our school staff need to be aware of and alert to students who may be experiencing mental anxiety and being proactive with connecting the student to the right resource to help them.

Our students and schools need to view local police as positive community resources. Liaise with our local police and inquire if they have programs which involves the police coming into schools. The more students see police as active helpful community resources, the more likely they will view police positively and feel comfortable with turning to them for assistance.

This is a theme which needs to be district wide and promoted on a consistent, regular basis starting in Kindergarten. Any bullying or discrimination is dealt with quickly and explained in a fashion why it’s not acceptable. Anti bullying, anti bigotry needs to start at a young age and promote on a regular basis so it becomes natural for children to recognize when it occurs and what are their options in stopping it.

Our students and schools need to view local police as positive community resources. Liaise with our local police and inquire if they have programs which involves the police coming into schools. The more students see police as active helpful community resources, the more likely they will view police positively and feel comfortable with turning to them for assistance.