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Name: Kulvir Mann (incumbent)
Age: 52
What neighbourhood do you live in? Canyon Heights
Occupation: NVSD School Board Trustee & NS Safety Council communications co-ordinator
Do you have children in the North Vancouver school system? Yes, I have 2 children in secondary school
What are your priorities if elected?
My priorities are to create an inclusive, diverse and equitable school district where everyone has a sense of place. To respectfully collaborate, build relationships and ensure well-being for all in NVSD as a team player.
What is the biggest challenge facing the school district and how would you address it?
The biggest challenge is healing and getting back to normalcy in our schools. The pandemic affected everyone differently and some are dealing with health issues, mental well-being, anxiety and connecting with each other. Funding is always an issue as there are lots of priorities but limited funds that we decide how are allocated during each school year. It is important for me to be transparent, have fiduciary responsibility to balance the budget and advocate to ministry on behalf of NVSD. Also ensuring there is equality in the funds dispersed so all students have proper resources and supports they need.
What is your assessment of how schools handled learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and what should be done differently in future waves of the virus?
North Vancouver School District was a leader during the pandemic and we kept all our schools open while other school districts did not. Our senior team had a calm and measured approach and communicated regularly with our families and community. Our rules and guidelines model were valued by the Ministry. We had already started and done most of the ventilation upgrades and used extra funding to successfully complete work at all our schools. I have confidence in our staff to have proper guidelines in place to keep our schools open and safe so all our students can learn and grow.
Is there any segment of the school population that is not being served as well as it could be by local schools and what should be done about it?
We do our best to support, encourage, empower and care for all students and staff in NVSD. Our Indigenous, neurodiverse, LGBTQIA2S+, multicultural backgrounds or new immigrants are the ones that I would like to see more designated services, educational supports and extra funding provided for by Ministry to NVSD. I would like to see the Indigenous grad rate increased and continued collaboration with host nations and elders. I also want to see more resources, mentorship, training and educational tools for our teachers, administrators and support staff. We currently have many supports, opportunities and initiatives in place already at our schools.
What do you see as the school district’s role (if any) in providing day care options for families?
The school district has a role to support families with childcare. This is a significant, long-term issue for families, especially with high costs of living requiring both parents to work. The waitlists are lengthy and parents need access to consistent and reliable childcare. Currently, it is difficult to provide for this care on school sites due to limited spaces available as staff and teachers need access to their classrooms and other school spaces for prep time, collaborating with each other in meetings and school activities. We are working diligently with both municipalities and service providers to support expansion of childcare.
What do you see the schools’ role as in promoting social justice issues?
I do believe it is important to empower our students and have them aware and involved in what is going on in the world around us. The students have a voice not just in their classrooms and schools but in the community to be heard and make change happen. We strive to have our students acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to contribute to a healthy society as educated citizens. As a trustee that has been vital to me to listen, engage, support and make connections with students so they know someone will take their feedback and be their advocate.
https://www.nsnews.com/local-news/district-of-north-vancouver-2022-civic-election-candidates-5803182
Biography
I have served on my children’s school PAC and on the North Vancouver District PAC. I wanted to continue to do more for students and the community so ran for school board. Currently Board Chair, I have served the NVSD community as Trustee for the past 4 years. It has been a real privilege to be a Trustee and advocate for all students in NVSD.
Reason for running
I am dedicated and committed to the success of all students. I visited all 32 schools in NVSD and have made meaningful connections with administrators, teachers, support staff, parents and students. I have also established respectful, professional working relationships with NVSD Senior Executives and staff which are important when making decisions regarding budget, policies and advocating for funds from the Ministry of Education. I have also made an incredible impact in the community with my volunteer work with many organizations as a board or committee member.
https://votemate.org/local2022/candidates/7167?riding=36&t=policies
Hello, my name is Kulvir Mann and I am seeking re-election as School Board Trustee of the North Vancouver Board of Education. I have been a resident of the North Shore for over twenty years and am a parent to two children currently enrolled in the NVSD.
I have served on my children’s school PAC and on the North Vancouver District PAC. I wanted to continue to do more for students and the community so ran for school board in 2018.
Currently Board Chair, I have served the NVSD community as Trustee for the past 4 years. It has been a real privilege to be a Trustee and advocate for all students in NVSD.
I believe all students should have a sense of place and belonging regardless of their ability, ethnicity or gender – including access to inclusive and safe learning environments with resources and programs available that allow all students to thrive.
I am dedicated and committed to the success of all students. I visited all 32 schools in NVSD and have made meaningful connections with administrators, teachers, support staff, parents and students. I have also established respectful, professional working relationships with NVSD Senior Executives and staff which are important when making decisions regarding budget, policies and advocating for funds from the Ministry of Education.
I have also made an incredible impact in the community with my volunteer work with many organizations as a board or committee member.
My platform with continued advocacy, collaboration and building relationships
I want to continue to be a champion for all kids and have been a highly effective advocate for the NVSD as Board Chair and Trustee. I am a respected and valued team member who has built positive relationships within NVSD, partner groups, host nations and community organizations.
https://northvancouver.com/kulvir-mann-for-north-vancouver-district-school-trustee/2095515/
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I acknowledge the Coast Salish people specifically the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish)and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) on whose unceded traditional territory I live, work and play.
