Castanet Kamloops will help you find out who is running for Kamloops School Trustee seats over the next few weeks. Every morning starting today, we will be posting a Q&A; session from one of the candidates running for the school board in the October 15 local general election. The same questions were asked of all candidate directors and their answers, sent to Castanet by e-mail, are published in full.

Castanet Kamloops: Why do you think you would be a good admin for SD73? What unique perspective, skills or vision do you bring to the table?

Kathleen Karpuk: I bring over a decade of experience to the role of Trustee. I know the history of previous decisions and the evolution of circumstances over the years. I have served on provincial committees such as the BC School Trustees Association’s Capital Task Force, which is actively working to convince the government to invest more in school infrastructure. My deep ties to Kamloops through Rotary, 4-H and swimming allow me to hear a good cross section of voices so that I can represent our community as a whole.

What is your vision for the school district? If you are elected, what could change in four years?

Karpuk: My vision for the district is to become even more responsive to student needs. Currently, students can access a wide variety of courses, including Trade Samplers, the International Baccalaureate Program, Hairdressing, Computer Programming, Sports Academies, Fine Arts, French Immersion, and even some first-year college courses. Students can try careers as a heavy machinery operator with Heavy Metal Rocks, law enforcement with the RCMP academy, as junior wildfire fighters with BC Wildfire, and through experience of work, they can obtain credits and learning hours. I hope that by listening to students and the community, more training opportunities will be developed.

Besides capital projects, how do you think the district should handle enrollment growth?

Karpuk: Capital is the best way to deal with enrollment growth. Without space for face-to-face interactions with teachers and peers, students are unable to develop soft skills such as verbal and non-verbal communication, empathy, collaboration and teamwork that are needed and valued by employers. Online learning is already available to students, but not all students thrive in an environment where interaction with friends and teachers is limited. Other solutions such as staggered start times and dual schedules put a lot of pressure on students, staff and families.

What do you think are the top priorities right now for SD73?

Karpuk: The main priorities of SD73 are capital and the reconstruction of social ties. Our community has been under a lot of stress over the past few years, which has caused disruption not only for schools, but for many families. The pandemic has limited contact, fires and floods have led to the evacuation and sometimes relocation of families, the location of Le Estcwicwey has reopened much trauma for many, and the economic uncertainty caused by both the pandemic and now inflation has added further stress. Schools have the opportunity to be a safe and supportive place for students and staff, where we can build a supportive community that goes beyond school walls.

The SD73 area has felt the impacts of climate change in recent years. What actions do you think the board could take to foster climate resilience?

Karpuk: The council has been actively implementing energy conservation and water conservation initiatives for over 15 years. Fixtures and HVAC units have been upgraded, automated sprinklers and automatic faucets have helped reduce water consumption. We are testing an electric bus and have solar panels on several installations. The new Parkcrest Elementary will be geothermally heated. Many of our schools have active composting programs and gardens. Carpooling for meetings and school visits is encouraged. I would like to see more focus on road safety so that more families feel it is safe for students to walk and cycle to school.

Visit Castanet’s Kamloops Votes page to find profiles of Kamloops SD73 director candidates as well as links to candidate websites and social media accounts, where available.