With advanced polls for the upcoming municipal election getting underway this week, The Weekly News is offering voters a snapshot of candidates running in your district. This week we take a look at those vying for a seat on the Halifax Regional School Board in the Bedford-Sackville area.
Voters can cast an electronic or phone ballot during the advanced voting period anywhere, anytime starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6 and ending 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 18. Alternatively, voters can vote in person on Election Day, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 (paper ballots only) from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
DISTRICT 1 Eastern Shore-Fall River (combines HRM electoral Districts 1 & 2)
Name: Bridget Boutilier
Age: 60
What’s the biggest challenge facing students today? Peer pressure from other students. I think it affects their learning and I think it starts with drugs.
What do you think is a possible solution? As parents and educators we do everything we can to protect our children but we have to do more. I know it sounds harsh, but I believe we should have drug dogs in the schools.
Name: Steve Brine
Age: 59
What’s the biggest challenge facing students today? In elementary, it’s the gap between students who are struggling and those who are not. In junior high, it’s a curriculum not suited for all and in high school everything is too academically driven.
What do you think is a possible solution? We have to get capacity under control. Close down the half empty schools and use that money to put back into the classrooms.
DISTRICT 7 South Shore-Bedford (combines HRM electoral Districts 13 & 16)
Name: Steve Warburton – Acclaimed
Age: 51
What’s the biggest challenge facing students today? The new normal. In the past, books and notes were the anchors of our education system. Now it’s computers, cellphones and iPads.
What do you think is a possible solution? We have to adapt to the world of education. The whole world is moving and changing and we have to adapt to the new normal.
DISTRICT 8 Lower Sackville-Upper Sackville (combines HRM electoral Districts 14 & 15)
Name: Wade Marshall
Age: 52
What’s the biggest challenge facing students today? Students and teachers are overwhelmed with requirements they need in the classroom for outcomes. I don’t believe these outcomes are giving students what they need when they graduate.
What do you think is a possible solution? I think the school system has to be totally reworked. I would take things out of the classroom that don't need to be there. We need to give them the tools they need so they can succeed ... we need to refocus education.
Name: Dave Wright
Age: 36
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing students today? Blended classrooms are more and more prominent. This puts a strain on the teaching staff, challenging them to make sure outcomes can be met.
What do you think is a possible solution? We need to put forth an effort to let teachers teach.
