The following is a Q&A that was distributed to all School District 46 trustee candidates.
Candidate name
Ric Leskie
Occupation (s)
Manager of The Sweet Shoppe candy store
If not incumbent, list related board / education / community experience.
Transitions (SAAPD) 1994-2009, CUPE 2012-2014, SDBA member 2013+/trustee 2015-2017, Strata president 2021/2022, Strata member-at-large 2022
Do you have a child in the school system?
Yes, daughter in Grade 10 at Chatelech. 2 children previously graduated from Chatelech
Which position are you running for?
Area 2
How long have you lived on the Coast?
Since 2010
What is most important issue facing the school community? How would you address it?
During the pandemic our students lost the predictability, relationships and stability that being in school brings. As a trustee I would advocate for our school community to continue building strong support for youth mental health.
How are you currently involved with education in your community?
While at work I frequently interact with students of all ages and these daily interactions as a community business person have instilled a deep caring for their education & well-being
Who needs to be involved in school board discussions and decisions?
Through the trustees and superintendent, school board discussions bring together the collective ideas, cares, and concerns of many stakeholders in our SD46 community, including the wonderful student trustees-our student's voices.
What do you see as the role of the school board?
To come together as an engaged, collaborative, supportive team that partners with families, staff, and the superintendent to drive forward policies best reflecting student's needs
What do you wish we'd asked you?
I bring to the table: a lifetime of advocating for human rights, promoting inclusive education, being compassionate to those who are struggling, thinking critically, and seeing with an optimistic lens.
Website
ricschooltrustee.wixsite.com/ric4trustee
Who are the other Area 2 trustees? See profiles for Amanda Amaral, Maria Hampvent and Ann Skelcher.
