Baker says education is ‘access to opportunity’

By Cal Braid
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

LaNae Baker has declared as a Ward 3 trustee candidate for Horizon School Division. She is one of two new candidates in Ward 3 – Taber/Barnwell, which has three seats on the board.

 Baker has been a part of her school parents council for many years, as well as a regular volunteer in the classroom. “I have four children with a variety of needs, and to top it off, I see the challenges of teaching in a classroom every day through the eyes of my husband,” she said of her close proximity to the education system.

 “I believe I offer a real insight into what is happening in our schools right now. I want to bring these insights to the board of trustees and work collaboratively as a team to ensure we are providing the needed opportunities to our kids, who are our future.”

 She believes that a trustee is obligated to engage and communicate with the stakeholders in public education. Those stakeholders are “our kids, our parents, our grandparents, our educators, our community. I will listen. I will work to the best of my abilities for the interest of all,” she said.

 Between labour disputes and classroom complexities, public education is in the midst of “challenging times,” Baker said, and the division needs a strong team that understands what is currently going on. She said school board trustees must be able to collaborate with the superintendent, teachers, educators, government, and the public.

 Horizon School Division values continual improvement; inclusion and respecting diversity; caring, respectful and safe learning environments; and collaboration and accountability.

 “These values resonate deeply with me. I care and commit to listening and researching to explore the best solutions to the problems we face,” she said. “Education truly is access to opportunity. Let’s bring the best we can to our kids!”