Name: Dr. Jasmine Nicholsfigueiredo
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: bbytrusteejasmine
Website: www.jasmine13n.wixsite.com/website
QUESTIONS (in 50 words or less unless specified)
Tell us about yourself. (100 words)
I am passionate about education and have been involved in the education system in one capacity or another—as a student (BA, MA and PhD), a student teacher (LA Matheson), and currently as an Instructor (Douglas College). My experience in the community and committee work at Douglas College have taught me the importance of balancing budgets to fund educational programs while simultaneously adhering to institutional strategic funding plans. I look forward to building a better Burnaby, and I welcome the opportunity to bring well-informed and inclusive decision making to the table.
What are the top 3 issues facing the Burnaby school board?
Implementing the new curriculum by providing support for teachers/EAs and ensuring the changes are communicated to parents.
Balancing the budget, while adding much needed teachers, without reducing programs or relying upon other incomes (i.e. international fees).
Ensuring that our schools are inclusive by having programs that address our diverse students.
What has the current school board done right?
The board excels in maintaining and replacing aging infrastructure and has slowly begun to work towards adding more after-school care programs.
What have they done wrong?
The board must work with the province, teachers union, and school district to address difficulties in teacher/EA retention due to housing costs and commuting times.
My current favorite thing about Burnaby public schools:
We have managed to create a balance of academics and applied skills in our schools thereby creating a school system that meets the needs of all students. I am also pleased we have begun to increase student awareness of mental health programs and reduce the stigma surrounding this issue.
What 3 people would you invite to a dinner party?
Queen Elizabeth I as she ruled England in a time when women were barred from such positions. Pierre Elliot Trudeau because he liberalized immigration laws in Canada and worked towards diversity. And Chef Jamie Oliver so the quality of the meal would equal that of the conversation.
Editor's note: Candidates were given specific word count guidelines and were cut off if they went over the count.
