Name: Ryan Stewart
Website: www.burnabycitizens.ca
QUESTIONS (in 50 words or less unless specified)
Tell us about yourself. (100 words)
One of my earliest political acts was advocating for music education as a student in Surrey. I also stood up to trustees there for banning books depicting same-sex parents. I was a politically active student at SFU and graduated with a BA (with Distinction) in Political Science and Dialogue. I was a founding director at-large of the Public Education Network Society (PENS). I've worked extensively for the NDP in BC and the Yukon. I'm currently a staff representative for the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU). My spouse Christine Leclerc and I are renters living on Burnaby Mountain.
What are the top 3 issues facing the Burnaby school board?
We need to: stamp out hate to ensure all students learn in a safe and respectful environment; ensure our public schools continue to prepare all students for success, which includes providing additional supports for those who need them; and work with the Ministry to make all schools seismically safe.
What has the current school board done right?
Burnaby schools fared better than most during years of BC Liberal cuts, thanks in large part to the foresight and planning of Burnaby Citizens Association trustees and district staff. Burnaby Citizens trustees have been steadfast in their commitment to uphold the human rights of all students.
What have they done wrong?
Voters have been nearly unanimous in praise of the Burnaby Citizens school board. However, there is no monopoly on good ideas, and leaders should always learn and grow. I look forward to working with returning incumbents and other new Burnaby Citizens trustee candidates to keep preparing all students for success.
What is your favourite thing about Burnaby public schools:
Burnaby public schools are diverse and inclusive. From students requiring a little extra help to those excelling in advanced placement, from those with English as their mother tongue to those for whom it is a learned language, and across the spectrum of backgrounds, identities and orientations, all students are welcome.
What 3 people would you invite to a dinner party?
I would find a bigger table and invite a student, a teacher, a parent, a non-teaching staff person and an administrator to dinner. Democracy doesn't begin and end at the ballot box. Instead, it's a process that requires ongoing engagement with those most affected by the decisions leaders make.
Editor's note: Candidates were given specific word count guidelines and were cut off if they went over the count.
