Natasha Morrow

“The Right Choice”

I am the proud mother of three children in the Prairie Valley School Division: one son in elementary school, one daughter in high school, and one daughter who recently graduated and is pursuing nursing at the University of Regina. During our 15 years with PVSD, we have been blessed to have many kind, intelligent, inspiring teachers guide our children’s education. However, the school system has changed dramatically in a variety of ways that have had a detrimental effect on teachers’ ability to teach, and on students’ ability to learn. We CAN do better!

I believe teachers give their HEARTS and SOULS to their profession. I recently homeschooled our son for three years; having just ONE (academically talented) student was a huge challenge. I cannot imagine how teachers handle full classrooms! Unfortunately, current classroom sizes and complexities have left teachers overwhelmed and depleted. Large numbers of students combined with a myriad of complex needs makes both teaching and learning extremely difficult. In the circumstances, it is no wonder our test scores are below the national average. Teachers are unable to GIVE, and students are unable to GET, the help needed. Our teachers are burnt out and crying for help – we MUST answer!

The introduction of ideological and politically-motivated content into the curriculum has also increased in recent years. Students are being indoctrinated, as early as kindergarten, with feelings and agendas instead of facts. Rather than being taught HOW to think, they are often being taught WHAT to think. Students must feel free to have and express their OWN ideas and opinions – in a respectful manner – on every subject. We need to ensure that schools are places to excel in ACADEMICS, NOT forums for activism. Let’s ensure our students graduate with the practical skills and knowledge they need to proceed confidently into adulthood, earn good incomes, and raise strong families. The future of our country depends on it.

We can do this by moving BACK TO THE BASICS and supporting the needs of our teachers!

1) Move focus to CORE SUBJECTS like reading, writing, mathematics, and science

2) Advocate for SMALLER CLASSROOM SIZES and more TEACHER SUPPORTS

3) Advocate for the REMOVAL of IDEOLOGIES and POLITICAL BIAS from the school curriculum

4) Advocate for greater SAFETY measures to ensure curriculum is vetted and APPROPRIATE for school age

5) Uphold the RIGHTS OF PARENTS and the nurturing and active role they play in their child’s education

6) Advocate for SAFE SPACES FOR BIOLOGICAL FEMALES and reflected in policy

7) Create a culture of COLLABORATION, transparency, and partnership between parents and educators

Finally, financial sustainability of our education system is imperative. The fiscal reality is that smaller class sizes means more teachers, more classrooms, and more schools, which ultimately means more MONEY. All government spending is taxation, so responsible money management and fiscal innovation are necessary to maintain and improve the quality of our schools without overburdening taxpayers.

It is crucial we have a board that is willing to bring up these pressing issues and make sure that YOUR voice is heard. The elected PVSD board members help dictate policy within this division and play a role in advocating for the needs of parents, teachers, and students.

For my children and yours – I am ready to be that voice. If you are ready for change, be sure to vote for me on NOVEMBER 13th!

Thank you for your support!

WHO

ANY resident of division 4 - you do NOT have to have children in school to vote, so make your vote count!

WHEN

Advanced Polls: Nov 6th: 3:00pm to 7:00pm

Election Day: Nov 13th 9:00am to 8:00pm

WHERE

Advanced: Indian Head Memorial Hall

ELECTION DATE: Nov. 13th

SUBDIVISION 4: Indian Head, Wolseley, Abernethy, Lemberg, Neudorf and surrounding areas

CONTACT: natashamorrow4PVSD@gmail.com