PROFILE: David Grootjes - School Trustee Grand Forks

 

My name is Dave (David) Grootjes and I am excited about the opportunity to run in our upcoming School Board 51 election of trustees. I have been a resident of the Boundary area (Grand Forks) since August of 2005. I am married to my wonderful wife Kat and we together have two boys Dante and Thijs. My wife and I have been active members in the community since we arrived in Grand Forks and have come to establish positive relationships with many organizations and residents.

 

My two sons will be students in School District 51 (SD 51) beginning next year and I decided to run for a trustee position in order to create and maintain a healthy, positive and supportive education system for them and all other students (children) to grow and develop in.  I would like to see the future adults of tomorrow receive all of the opportunities that they deserve and be supported/encouraged by their ‘community’ to reach for the stars!

 

 

Only a few years ago I was a classroom teacher and was able to view the Education System in British Columbia first hand. I have seen the struggles that face the teachers/support staff and administration in providing top quality education to the Boundary’s students.

 

I can bring to the table a first hand recollection of teaching and student learning as well as the struggles and triumphs of being a parent. I know that the school board is currently looking at reintroducing online learning to the school district and I have personally taught in a successful online education system and understand the positive and negative benefits to all those involved.

 

I am fast paced learner who critiques and examines all aspects involving an issue so that I can gain the best understanding of what the problem is in order to make an educated decision. Honesty and openness are two of my strongest traits which I believe are keys to being a representative in a public office.

 

 

 

Declining enrollment is a trend that seems to be at the forefront in the Boundary area. The schools are graduating more students then they are accepting in the fall registrations. With the declining enrollment the board’s funding continues to decrease as well. I believe that the board must looking at addressing the declining enrollment and create a sustainability action plan to entice prospective students to want to enroll with SD 51.

 

 

The students today are well adapted to using technology on a daily basis. Through the creation of smart phones, computers and the ever popular ‘apps’ students are able to socialize and learn from sources that were once only dreamed about. 

 

The integration of technology into our schools is essential to allow our students to gain the required skills to advance them into future careers and become successful, responsible citizens in today’s ever changing society.

 

I do believe however that the Board of Education is responsible for ensuring that technology purchased is done so in consultation with all key players to avoid reoccurrences of the past where computers purchased were not fully utilized and funds perhaps could have been better allocated. 

Over the last few years the provincial government coffers have been running on fumes so to speak. Education has taken a drastic drop in the amount of funding that the school boards receive from the province and that in turn is a burden that is placed on the student both directly and indirectly.

 

The lack of funds creates situations in which teachers are short textbooks for their classes, student’s options/choices of classes are significantly reduced and in some instances families must pay out of pocket beyond their annual taxes in order to give their children the education they deserve.

 

 

I believe that I can make a positive impact on these challenges by providing valuable insight and ideas on which to create action plans. I have numerous thoughts/opinions on how to attract students to our school district and create positive student enrollment.

 

I have worked in a successful online education setting and believe that I can help address the technology issues that our district is facing.  I have used SMART boards before SD 51 even purchased their first one.  I am up to date with technology and understand the ins and outs of technology integration in the classroom.

 

Although there is no way to create new funding from the province I believe that we must continue to lobby the Ministry of Education about the effects that funding cuts have on our students.  I also, think that we must review the way the school district operates from the top down so that we can make sure that we are effectively utilizing the funding that we receive.

 

 

If I was to describe myself in three words I would have to select: tenacious, virtuous and approachable.

 

 

I believe that it is time for a change! We need to have trustees on the school board that care for the future of education in the Boundary and have a personal interest in making sure it is successful. 

 

If elected I look forward to addressing the idea of change, and welcome all comments/questions and queries.  It is important that all matters concerning the school district remain transparent and that the residents of the communities we represent be heard. On November 19th remember your vote = their future.