We listened to Erica McLean discuss how being in the school district before, and after being elected as a trustee, changes perspectives and ability for change. Trustees are the public foothold in the education system and are able to share opinions and push issues they feel students are being faced with.
Book banning anyone?
I honestly had not thought about how an elected official could impact my job description. Things like the SD57 Advisory report feel like the hammer, but trustees add to the strength of the swing when they do things like share testimonials. Erica shared that she has been a very active part of the community and previously worked in the school district. There were many trials and tribulations that faced Erica, many being related to her role as a support worker and as a minority in the SD57 community. Erica talked about allowing these factors to guide her through her decision-making, and understanding of issues needing to be raised and tended to by political figures. The big surprise to me was that Erica spoke about disagreeing with the Special Advisors report, that there is not constant racism but rather ignorance and trauma that has yet to be addressed. I am excited to hear Erica’s voice as she grows into her role and flourishes in this new chapter.
Photo: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/empathy-emotion-and-experience/202002/the-politics-empathy-and-race