Information was more focused when it came to school trustees. Salmon Arm can elect two representatives to the School District #83 board, and there are three candidates running including incumbents Bobbi Johnson and Dr. Michel Saab.
Both attended the forum, while the third candidate, Marcel Bedard was not in attendance. After being contacted by the Observer, he said a commitment in Vancouver which was organized long before the election prevented his attendance.
Johnson stressed her level of experience with the position, having already been a trustee for four terms. Her interest in the system began with her own children and now she has grandchildren attending public school.
“Yes, I think the reason I got involved was because I was not satisfied with the school funding issue. I will continue to work to get funding and put those funds in the places that are best for the children’s education.”
Saab, too has considerable experience, with 18 years on the board. He stressed the need for local management of the budget to best manage resources for the benefit of students. He too stressed the need for consultation with teachers to see where funds could be best used.
“Students of today need to be more literate, use more sophisticated technology and be prepared for life-long learning... I will continue to make it my goal to lobby for increased funding to make that happen.”