My name is Mark Olsen and I have been a Trustee for the past 8 years. I am seeking my third term and hope to continue the good work we have accomplished over the past term.
I have 38 years of various experience in the Public School system.
Mark Olsen
Independent for SD22 Board of Education
Climate Change, Heat, Fires, & the Environment
Energy-Efficient Buildings
We continue to work on improving our energy savings with our structural "envelopes" and utility consumption with huge savings in CO2 emissions, electrical consumption, and water usage.
Private Vehicles & Parking
Bus transportation is the most effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly form of transportation of students. If parents must drive, car pooling would be a good alternative.
Urban Heat
Vernon may not have a high level of urban heat as compared to larger cities, it is a factor. We try to do our part by building more energy efficient and monitoring and reducing our utility consumption.
Walking & Cycling
Walking and cycling are great healthy choices that improve our fitness and reduce emissions. Truly a win win. We must work with the city to ensure safe walking paths for our students.
Human Rights
Human Rights Abroad
I support Human Rights everywhere.
Physical Accessibility
We have Accessibility Committee providing ongoing assessments of schools. While building accessibility is considered, so are other areas such as playground equipment, with appropriate accommodations made.
Recent Immigrants
Immigration can be good for our country and community but our services must keep pace. We must have housing, health care, and education services for new citizens or we compromise and strain our resources.
Trans Rights & Access to Public Services
The Human Rights Code must be adhered to. There is no place for discrimination and everyone should have equal access to public services.
Local Government, Planning, & Democracy
Budgeting
This is an important aspect of the role of Trustee. I have been a part of these deliberations for 8 years now. In that time student success has always been and will continue to be at the forefront.
Good Governance
The role of a Trustee is Governance. As a Trustee it is our responsibility to ensure the Boards Policies are followed. We rely on Administration to follow through with our directives.
Long-Term Plan
I will keep striving to improve the success rates for all of our students. This is not a one year project but a long-term goal.
Public Engagement
Trustees represent the parents and families that elected us, as well as our role in Governance. We must listen to concerns as they arise and do our due diligence in addressing those concerns.
Youth Engagement
We receive and hear from Student Voice to consider issues they identify. They have also been invited to contribute to budget deliberations. It is important to have those opinions and participate in decisions.
Mental Health, Drugs, & Addiction
Mental Health Crisis Response
We need to be aware and proactive in the lives of our students. Drug experimentation/addictions increases mental health related emergencies. We value our school counsellors and other health professionals.
Mental Health in Schools
We must listen to our students and provide the resources to deal with the mental health issues they face. Along with technology advancements, today's student faces many pressures not present in previous times.
Public Safety & Policing
Police in Schools
I support Police in schools if their role is to inform and support. It can be an additional piece for student counselling. A police officer should be considered a friendly advocate for students.
Upstream Causes of Crime
Education and counselling can help reduce crime and drug abuse before our students leave school. Some of our students face aging out of Ministry support and can fall through the cracks making bad decisions.
Reconciliation & Indigenous Nations
Indigenous Languages
I will continue to work at honouring and exploring our local Indigenous language and support implementing it into our classrooms.
Indigenous Schooling
I promise to continue to support the success of our Indigenous students. We have worked hard to improve Indigenous students results and have had some success but more is still required.
Land Title & Governance
We have a good working relationship with OKIB and hope to continue working together to address issues that arise. Scheduled meetings between District and Band leadership assists is in joint governance.
Place Names & Commemorations
We can continue our efforts for Truth and Reconciliation and honour our local Indigenous heritage when opportunities arise.
Residential Schools
We can't change history but we can acknowledge our mistakes and make efforts to right the wrongs committed against First Nation children.
Schools & Public Education
Artificial Intelligence in Schools
This subject needs far more evaluation and awareness than we can address here. It is a major concern at many levels due to the rate of advancements. This could be the major issue of our term.
Bullying & Bigotry
There is no place for bullying and bigotry in our classrooms. We have implemented policies to combat and racism, discrimination and bullying.
Indigenous Schooling
I promise to continue to support the success of our Indigenous students. We have worked hard to improve Indigenous students results and have had some success but more is still required.
Media Literacy & Critical Thinking
With all the advancements in technology there needs to be an awareness and a focus on critical thinking. Too much is available with a push of a button. We need to support the whole student.
Neurodivergent Students & Support
We must provide support as needed to help them achieve success. Each student learns differently and for them to succeed they need additional and personalized support.
Police in Schools
I support Police in schools if their role is to inform and support. It can be an additional piece for student counselling. A police officer should be considered a friendly advocate for students.
Student Involvement & Engagement
Student involvement is important to the governance of the district. They can provide insight on the front lines of the school community and their opinion matters.
Biography
submitted by the candidate or their team
Promises
See all 27 promises
Long-Term Plan
I will keep striving to improve the success rates for all of our students. This is not a one year project but a long-term goal.
Physical Accessibility
We have Accessibility Committee providing ongoing assessments of schools. While building accessibility is considered, so are other areas such as playground equipment, with appropriate accommodations made.
Energy-Efficient Buildings
We continue to work on improving our energy savings with our structural "envelopes" and utility consumption with huge savings in CO2 emissions, electrical consumption, and water usage.
Reason for running
submitted by the candidate or their team
My intent on running for a third term is to continue the good work we have done. From accessibility to additional support for those students who require additional help, I want to continue to make a difference in the lives of our students.