Wed. Nov 6th, 2024

Subdivision 7 (Esterhazy, Stockholm and Area) Candidate Profile: Jamie Smart-Sondergaard

Jamie Smart-Sondergaard is a candidate running to represent Subdivision 7—Esterhazy, Stockholm, and surrounding areas in the upcoming Good Spirit School Division (GSSD) school division elections. With advance polls starting on October 29, 2024, and the final election date on November 13, 2024, Jamie aims to bring a dedicated focus to the needs of students, teachers, and families in the region.

Can you share your background in education and what experiences have shaped your approach?

I finished high school within GSSD and then attended the University of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Polytechnic. These educational experiences helped me understand the needs of students and the ways the education system can support their success. In the 14 years I’ve worked for Mosaic, I’ve been fortunate to continue my educational journey throughout the various roles I’ve held. I love learning new things and appreciate working in a setting where I have access to ongoing opportunities.

My wife is a teacher within GSSD who has taught at PJ Gillen Elementary School, Esterhazy High School, and, most recently, Macdonald School. Through her, I have gained a better appreciation for the growing challenges in today’s classrooms. We live in Stockholm, where I volunteer at Macdonald School for fundraisers, odd projects, chaperoning school trips, and coaching archery with grade 7 to 9 students. 

I have two children who currently attend Macdonald School and will eventually go to EHS. Through them, I see the passion and effort teachers put into making the school experience the best it can be. I also see the challenges today’s students face, including increased classroom complexity, cuts to school staff, and limited access to services such as counseling and speech support.

What are your thoughts on the current education budget (teacher and educational assistant positions or other items)?

The Saskatchewan education budget has not kept up with student growth or inflation. Several independent studies show that Saskatchewan’s educational spending has decreased as inflation has increased. Our students deserve a high-quality education, but this is increasingly difficult to maintain with current funding constraints.

I believe GSSD’s operational spending needs to remain transparent and justified to the public. There is a wealth of information available on the GSSD website, from infographics to financial audits. GSSD needs to be able to recruit and retain quality staff, including teachers, educational assistants, and other supports.

What strategies do you believe the school board can implement to support student mental health effectively?

Mental health in schools was never discussed when I was in school, but as parents, teachers, and students dive deeper into this topic, there are many possibilities for support. The mental health of students is significantly affected by their relationships with school staff. A book I read recently, *Analog is the Future* by David Sax, articulated it well: “Education is a relationship between students and teachers, students and classmates, and everyone else in the school community.”

Simple solutions can go a long way to supporting student mental health. Some effective strategies include improving access to youth sports, diversifying learning experiences (such as outdoor classrooms, land-based learning, art, band, and physical education), celebrating diversity, and effectively addressing all forms of bullying. EHS has a partnership with a local nurse practitioner who makes regular school visits, and I’ve heard from parents and teachers that this has had a tremendous impact.

As a school board trustee, I plan to encourage parent engagement and positive community-school relationships, support school health initiatives, and help build relationships with public safety personnel such as EMS, RCMP, and firefighters.

What are the core pillars of your educational philosophy, and how do you plan to bring meaningful change or continuation to the current system?

1. Strong Leadership: Being an active voice and advocate for GSSD families within our communities.

2. Accountability: Engaging with our communities and representing local voices in board decisions and policy development. Monitoring and assessing subdivision undertakings to ensure they meet the board’s agreed-upon goals.

3. Support: Pushing for necessary resources, such as funding and personnel, to align with GSSD’s strategic priorities and the specific needs of our local schools.

4. Structure and Direction: Building from the vision the Ministry of Education has for our education system. Advocating for change when vision or goals are unclear to help ensure all students receive the best education possible.

How can parents and students best reach you, and what support can they expect from you in addressing their concerns?

There are several ways parents and students can contact me. Once elected as a GSSD School Board Trustee, my email and phone number will be published on the GSSD website. I am also very visible and approachable in the communities of Stockholm and Esterhazy, through involvement in kids’ sports and emergency response groups. I’ve met many parents in the area through my work at Mosaic and look forward to connecting with even more families.

I will continue to attend Stockholm and Esterhazy School Community Council meetings to provide updates and gather questions or concerns for the board. I take all concerns seriously and will respond as quickly as possible, whether that involves finding information for parents or raising issues with the board.

Conclusion

Jamie Smart-Sondergaard is committed to advocating for students, teachers, and families in the GSSD. With a focus on transparency, mental health support, and community engagement, Jamie aims to enhance the educational experience for all learners in the region. As the election approaches, he looks forward to serving and making a positive impact in our schools.

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