Name: Melissa Chang
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Melissa for School Trustee SD 41
QUESTIONS (in 50 words or less unless specified)
Tell us about yourself. (100 words)
I am an RMT and have owned my own business. I taught English in Taiwan to kids ranging from 2 to 13-years-old in a classroom setting. I was the VP at BFLP for two years. In that time, we created and hired a new part-time admin position, updated the handbook and the society by-laws as well as completely revamped the emergency earthquake plan. I live in a multi-cultural/ multi-generational household with my husband, two kids and mother-in-law. My eldest just started in the public-school system and my youngest will join her next September.
What are the top 3 issues facing the Burnaby school board?
In general, I feel that the board has done a good job. The one thing that I am most concerned about is the physical buildings of the schools. Are they able to accommodate the potential kids that will be enrolling when the newest high-rise developments are complete?
What has the current school board done right?
The hot meal program at the community schools is wonderful. It is time to expand the program to the elementary schools and potentially even the high schools.
What have they done wrong?
Kindergarten registration; registering my daughter last year was a nightmare. There are better ways to do it.
What's your favourite thing about Burnaby public schools:
The emphasis on actually seeing children as individuals and pointing them to programs that will allow them to blossom even if it isn’t in the current school is amazing. I felt such hope while reading the Inspiring Excellence portion of the SD41 website.
What 3 people would you invite to a dinner party?
Jack Ma- He exemplifies the entrepreneur. He is leaving Alibaba to “pursue educational charities.”
Mme Curie- Her love of science and perseverance allowed her to break barriers and became the first female to receive a Nobel Prize.
Raffi- His love and understanding of children has educated children through entertainment.
Editor's note: Candidates were given specific word count guidelines and were cut off if they went over the count.
