Bio
Jordan Watters is the Director of Research for a consulting firm specializing in labour market and economic development activities for First Nations, labour, industry and government. Jordan specializes in community and stakeholder engagement and has expertise in strategic planning. Jordan holds a Master of Arts in sociology with specialization in Education from Queen’s University. She has researched, lectured, and published in the fields of Education, sociology, business regulation, and law. Jordan is a proven public education advocate standing up against chronic underfunding of our schools, and supporting teachers, specialists and support workers in this district and across the province. She is the founder and administrator of Support for BC Students on Facebook, collecting, analyzing, and sharing key information on the state of public education with over 18,900 subscribers. Jordan is the mother of two pre-school aged sons who are the driving force behind her unwavering commitment to quality public education in SD61.
Message from Jordan:
I have chosen to run for election as School Trustee in School District 61 because I know we can do better to support our students. My sons will be entering school in this district over the next four-year term and I want for them what I want for ALL students in this district. I want them to have the supports in place to succeed to their highest potential.
I will advocate boldly for increased funding for public education so that we can provide students with quality school environments: adequately resourced classrooms; access to libraries with quality materials; safe and engaging playground equipment; exciting programming in music and the arts; safe and functioning shops and science labs; and equitable distribution of technology.
I am committed to the principles of equity and inclusion. I will work to identify and eliminate inequities in our district and work hard to increase opportunities and support for Aboriginal students, LGBTQ+ students, students in care, students living in poverty, ELL students, and students dealing with mental health or physical health challenges.
All students need one-on-one time with their teachers every day in order to stay connected and engaged, and students with special needs need curriculum adapted or modified in order for them to meet their potential and enjoy their classroom time. Class sizes and compositions matter, and I will advocate strongly for their inclusion in teacher’s collective agreement.
As a Trustee, I will make the inclusion of parent and student voices a top priority, and drawing upon my skills as a community engagement specialist I am confident we can improve the flow of information between our school communities and the Board.
With a $200 million annual budget, the lack of planning in our district is shocking. I am committed to a Strategic Planning process that will engage all stakeholder groups – parents, students, employee groups and the wider community – in order to develop a common vision for public education and ensure transparency and accountability in our work. My successful experience building strategic plans that work gives me the confidence to know that with rigorous planning we can achieve our goals.
I will work to establish a Trustee-led Budget committee so that your elected officials oversee the district budget in a direct way and have a firm grasp of the line-items so that we can be sure that all possible dollars are funneled into the classroom. The current lack of Trustee engagement in budget decisions fosters a lack of accountability and transparency.
Education is not just about outcomes, it is about the daily experiences of children and youth. Supporting students is at base about recognizing and respecting the lives of young people in our communities and working to ensure that the public education we deliver is worthy of them.
On November 15th, I hope that along with Loring-Kuhanga, McNally, Nohr, and Paynter I will be given the opportunity to serve the students of SD61 and work towards a stronger community for all.
Website: www.jordanwatters.com