Hat-Trick of Change
Instead of a follow-up of several mini-blog entries on “what’s happening,” I have opted for one BIG blog entry to be posted TODAY. I just want to share a few initiatives the BCSTA (BC School Trustees’ Association) has embarked on last month in response to membership to increase communication, professional learning, and sense-making. The initiatives were crammed into a short time period and I missed few professional opportunities to make this happen. It was well worth my time. So, what did we do?
First, we had our FIRST ANNUAL LIAISON MEETING with the Ministry of Education and school boards. Staff from the Ministry and School Board Chairs, Superintendents, and Secretary-Treasurers gathered together in Richmond to learn about and discuss emergent topics in BC Education on October 21st. This session was led by the Ministry of Education. I appreciated that the Deputy Minister Dave Byng and his staff were there to connect with school districts about issues that are pertinent and important to school districts to gather a better understanding of what’s happening in the field, be open to questions from the field to bridge gaps between school boards and government, and work together as we move forward with co-governance.
Second, the BCSTA held a BOARD CHAIRS MEETING on October 22nd for member boards; a session facilitated by the BCSTA. The BCSTA staff and guest speakers did an excellent job orchestrating this professional learning event for board chairs. The room was filled with seasoned board chairs, new board chairs, and board chair designates. Topics included conflict of interest, the BC Auditor General report, and conflict resolution. This was a welcomed opportunity for board chairs to connect, problem-solve, and learn together. Conversations were candid and real; a worthwhile event for BCSTA Board Chairs. I look forward to our next meeting together.
Finally, the BCSTA held an ISSUES FORUM on the last day of BCSTA Provincial Council on October 24th in Vancouver. Some trustees were attending the BCPSEA Symposium, while others were at BCSTA Committee Meetings on the day of October 23rd, the DM Dave Byng presented to the BCSTA Provincial Councillors in the evening with a welcoming and introduction from the new Minister of Education, Hon. Mike Bernier. This evening ends with an opportunity for Provincial Councillors to ask questions, share concerns, or clarify topics or issues with the DM. On the 24th, Provincial Council was dynamic and dialogical in the morning, to be followed up to the Issues Forum after lunch. The topic was BCPSEA. Our BCSTA-BCPSEA Advisory Committee Members attending this event as well as Deborah Stewart and Renzo Del Negro from BCPSEA. It was another worthwhile event for BC School Trustees.
I am only mentioning a few things that BCSTA moved forward with in 2015/2016. We are membership driven. Everything that we do is directed from our membership. In the end, serving our member boards in the best way that we can means serving the students within our school districts in the best way that we can. For more information, check out the BCSTA Board of Directors Strategic Plan for 2015/16.
It takes one step at a time. Change does not happen overnight; and, if we are looking for long-term, sustainable, and meaningful change for our students, then we must work together… strategically and wholeheartedly. This requires time, patience, and willingness to engage. Thank you to all those who took part in these initiatives.