Rob Hutchins (incumbent)

Social Media: Facebook: Students First Team

* Please tell us a bit about yourself and what made you decide to run in this election?

I have called the Cowichan Valley home since 1965. I am currently a high school counsellor at LSS. I am presently serving my first term as School Trustee for SD 79 and my first term as Councillor for the Town of Ladysmith. I was the Mayor of Ladysmith for 21 years and Director of the CVRD. Since 2010, I have co-chaired Our Cowichan Health Network. I am deeply committed to public service, and I want to do my part to help strengthen our public education system so all our children can enjoy success.

* What is your vision for the school district and how would getting elected help achieve it?

I envision a school district that has marshaled the resources of our community to ensure all our students enjoy success at school. Success in school has proven to lead to better life outcomes and better health. Great strides have been made to increase our overall six-year graduation rate to 82%. However, today, 18% of our youth are entering adulthood without a Dogwood Diploma. Some communities in BC have attained a six-year graduation rate in excess of 90%. I believe we can do better.