Yellowknife (Oct 03/03) - The current public school board is nearing the end of an issue-filled three-year term and the number of candidates expressing their views at the candidates forum Tuesday reflects the call for change.

The last two board elections brought seven trustees in through acclamation, but this year 17 candidates are on the ballot for Oct. 20.

Parent Advisory Councils for various schools in the district organized the three-hour forum, along with the district.

Approximately 50 to 70 people filled the chairs at the Sir John Franklin high school atrium, the number dissipating as the evening wore on.

Each candidate used three minutes to introduce themselves and their views to the crowd of parents and teachers.

Moderator Brad Enge routinely stepped in to remind candidates of time constraints during the evening.

Roger Windle asked candidates what their position was on school improvement days and professional development days.

All 15 candidates were for training days for teachers.

Roy Desjarlais likened teachers to machines in his answer.

"If you have a broken cog, what do you think will happen to the machine," he said. "It will break down."

Debra Weir was for the days as well, but would ask to know about the results of the training taking place.

The next question was "What can you do to ensure that Yellowknife 1 district receives fair, accurate media coverage?"

Dale Thomson replied "working together you can get fair and accurate media coverage most of the time."

Current trustee Maureen Miller wants to see more information fed to media sources.

"We're not providing the information. Public education in Yellowknife needs to blow its own horn," Miller said.

Former journalist Bren Kolson said, "They (the media) don't take the time to understand what you are talking about." She recommends regular press releases provided to the media.

Steven Meister, Reanna Erasmus, and Keith Scott all recommended a single media contact within the district to minimize communication errors.

Current trustee Mildred Wilke is also a former journalist.

"The media must have that openness and freedom to write," she said.

The next question presented to the candidates was "How would you act as a team player to address a specific classroom issue of your choice?"

There was some confusion over the nature of the question, with Enge interpreting it as how the candidate would deal with a problem arising in schools.

"The job of the trustee is to oversee the process," said Dave Lovell.

Each candidate used a different classroom situation for an example, chosen by themselves.

After three questions answered by all candidates, Enge opted to present the remaining five questions to three candidates at a time.

The next question addressed the decrease in recess time at J.H Sissons school and asked trustees what they would do to promote active living in students.

"I think kids need exercise and they don't get nearly the same as we used to," said Lavona Clarke.

"I think active living is very important for children," current trustee Terry Brookes said.

The next question was presented by parent Linda Corkal.

She asked "How will you keep the lines of communication open effectively with the parents?"

Yvonne MacKean would encourage parents to attend board meetings and functions to facilitate communication.

"It's very important that the parents be involved," said Roy Desjarlais.

Dan Schofield, Bren Kolson, and Steven Meister were asked what are the strengths and weakness's of the board.

As a weakness Schofield said "I don't see a monitoring system in place," For strengths, as a current trustee he is pleased with parent survey results and the strategic plan in place.

"Education is our children's future. It's our future," said Meister.

The eighth question of the night was a tongue in cheek one asked by Marlow Bullock.

"Are you ready to hit the road running," she asked.

Duff Spence said "Yes, I'm ready." Reanna Erasmus broke into song. "My passion is education," she said.

Six of the seven existing trustees are vying for their positions again, with 11 new candidates challenging them.

Who was there

Brenda Auge, a teacher at Mildred Hall school thinks more people are running as trustees because of issues that arose during the present term.

"We're (teachers) here because we're concerned about the board," she says.

Parent Linda Corkal posed a question to the candidates about how to keep communication open between parents and the board.

Corkal attributes the increased candidates to parental concern about education.

"There are a lot of parents who are more keenly interested in their children's education and where it's going," she said.

"Perhaps people would like to see a change."

Among the candidates were a number of former journalists, public service employees, and single parents.

Current trustee Robert Meckling sent former trustee Marlow Bullock in his place due to work travel. Candidate Mary Lou Cherwaty was also unable to attend.