Name: Peter Cech
Website: www.burnabycitizens.ca
QUESTIONS (in 50 words or less unless specified)
Tell us about yourself. (100 words)
One of our greatest responsibilities is to provide our kids with a high-quality education. As a long-time advocate for students with unique learning needs, I have witnessed firsthand how the Burnaby School District responds to concerns from parents. I currently sit on Burnaby's Sustainable City Advisory Committee and have also served on the Traffic Safety, Transportation and Environment Committees. I would bring project management skills, a history of community advocacy and a passion for public education to the school board. With your support I will work tirelessly to build on the significant successes of our District.
What are the top 3 issues facing the Burnaby school board?
1. Ensuring our teachers and students have sufficient in-class resources and supports
2. Creating new childcare spaces
3. Obtaining ministry funding for seismic upgrades
What has the current school board done right?
-Addressed the different learning needs of an array of students
-Adopted the Sexual Orientation Gender Inclusion policy to help ensure all students feel safe and welcome at their schools
-Introduced sport and technical academies to help students reach their full potential
What have they done wrong?
Nothing
What is your favourite thing about Burnaby public schools:
The anti-bullying culture. When my kids attended Burnaby schools, bullying was unheard of – it just didn’t happen.
What 3 people would you invite to a dinner party?
Jack Layton, Gord Downie and Jane Jacobs to discuss how to foster a more civil society.
Editor's note: Candidates were given specific word count guidelines and were cut off if they went over the count.