Ethel Lariviere I also believe it is important to be transparent about the role and responsibilities of a School Board Trustee. Individual trustees do not have the authority to independently approve projects, direct school district operations, commit funding, or make decisions on behalf of the Board of Education. These responsibilities are exercised collectively by the Board, within its authority and available resources. What I can do as an elected trustee is listen to community concerns, bring issues forward through appropriate Board processes, ask informed questions, participate in discussions and decisions, and encourage collaboration with other levels of government. 1. Solar Energy and Responsible Financial Planning I believe solar energy and other energy-efficient technologies deserve consideration when planning new schools, major renovations, and improvements to existing district facilities. With my background in business administration, accounting, and financial management, I place considerable importance on responsible financial oversight, long-term planning, and ensuring public education dollars are used effectively. Your solar overview provides examples of installations throughout the Okanagan and other communities, as well as potential funding opportunities. These examples demonstrate why renewable energy investments are worth examining, particularly where they may reduce ongoing operating costs. Regarding the new George Pringle Secondary School and the addition to Webber Road Elementary, I believe it is reasonable to ask whether solar energy was evaluated during project planning. However, without reviewing the project designs, capital budgets, and technical assessments, I would not want to speculate about the decisions made or whether solar installations would have been financially or technically feasible. If elected, I would be interested in raising the following questions through appropriate Board discussions: •Is solar energy consistently evaluated when planning new schools and major renovations? •What financial analysis is undertaken to determine installation costs, long-term savings, maintenance requirements, and return on investment? •What provincial, federal, or utility funding opportunities are available to SD23, and what eligibility requirements apply? •Could existing school facilities or future capital projects benefit from solar installations where financially and technically appropriate? I also recognize that funding for school construction and major capital improvements involves provincial requirements, approvals, and competing priorities. The Board must consider these factors alongside its responsibility to provide safe, appropriate learning environments. My approach would be to encourage informed consideration of these opportunities, supported by reliable financial information and sound long-term planning. Reducing operating expenses is worth exploring, particularly when savings could help preserve resources for student learning. However, I would not want to promise a particular level of savings without a detailed financial assessment. 2. Sidewalks, Bike Lanes, Streetlights, and Student Safety I share your concern about children travelling to and from school along roads without adequate sidewalks, lighting, or safe separation from vehicle traffic. Student safety is important to me, and I believe families should be able to feel confident that children have safe and accessible routes to school. I also recognize that sidewalks, municipal bike lanes, and streetlights generally fall under the jurisdiction of the City of West Kelowna rather than the School District. As a School Board Trustee, I would not have the authority to approve municipal infrastructure projects, establish municipal construction priorities, or commit City funding. However, I believe there is an important opportunity for collaboration between SD23 and the City of West Kelowna, particularly when infrastructure concerns directly affect students travelling to and from school. Your recommendation to prioritize school bus routes and areas where children share roadways with buses and other vehicles deserves careful consideration. If elected, I would be prepared to bring identified student safety concerns forward through appropriate Board processes and encourage consideration of: •Communication between SD23 and the City of West Kelowna regarding safe routes to schools. •Identifying areas where missing sidewalks, inadequate lighting, traffic volumes, or other conditions may create safety concerns for students. •Opportunities for the Board to communicate school related transportation concerns to municipal decision makers. •Coordinated planning between the school district and municipality when school transportation needs and infrastructure improvements are being considered. I would also welcome receiving the specific Glenrosa routes and locations your association has identified as priorities. This information would help me better understand the concerns and provide a basis for informed discussion. While decisions regarding municipal road infrastructure ultimately rest with the City, I believe school trustees can play a constructive role in ensuring student safety concerns are heard and considered through the appropriate channels. 3. My Approach to School Board Governance My priorities as a candidate are Students First, Strong Schools, and Strong Communities. I believe these priorities require responsible financial oversight, thoughtful long-term planning, safe learning environments, and strong relationships between the school district and the communities it serves. My professional background in finance and accounting would allow me to bring a financial perspective to Board discussions, particularly when reviewing budgets, capital planning, operating expenses, and the long-term implications of financial decisions. Equally important is understanding that a School Board Trustee is one member of a governing Board. Effective trustees listen, ask questions, consider evidence, respect the responsibilities of district administration, and participate in collective decision-making. I do not believe candidates should make promises about projects or outcomes they cannot independently deliver. What I can commit to is approaching these issues thoughtfully, being transparent about the Board's responsibilities, and ensuring community concerns receive appropriate consideration.