Jen Elmore is running for a seat on the Cowichan Valley’s school board.
Elmore has lived in the Cowichan Valley for 12 years, and has worked in the health-care field for more than 30 years, including 15 years as an LPN.
She is now semi-retired, leaving time for projects that are important to her.
“I believe that everyone should have the same opportunities regardless of disability, race or gender,” Elmore said.
“After working several years with people with developmental disabilities, I have seen the benefit of inclusion programs in schools and how these programs have the potential to fail all children when they are not adequately resourced.”
Elmore said she has several friends with children on the autism spectrum.
She said she has seen their distress in navigating the education system to ensure their children receive the assistance they require.
Elmore said she has resolved to be a voice to represent all parents and to ensure a high level of education for every child.
“Special-needs children are 12 to 15 per cent of the total student population of SD79,” she said.
“My platform is focused upon ensuring the delivery of timely and appropriate resources and services to special needs children in school. Lack of support results in behaviour issues and anxiety. This is disruptive and detrimental to the success of all students.”
Elmore said she is committed to listening to parents and guardians and representing them on the school board.
She said these people know their children the best, and this fundamental relationship must be respected.
“The quality and focus of the current curriculum has been noted as a concern by many people that I have spoken to,” Elmore said.
“Many business owners and tradesmen in the community have expressed concern of too many recent graduates not being prepared with the skills they require for their employment. I would like to be a voice on the board to advocate for children to return to learning the basics first, to give them a fundamental foundation to grow upon.”
To contact Elmore, email jenelmore4schoolboard@proton.me. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenelmore4schoolboard