Child and youth advocate, Ross Lightburn-Renaud announced his candidacy for the Mission School Board.
Lightburn-Renaud is a father of three children, two of which are currently enrolled in Mission’s public schools. He said in a statement that he understands the needs of the Mission public school system and the community at large.
Lightburn-Renaud says he possesses a wealth of professional experience working with families, children and youth over the past 30 years.
His wife/partner, Charlotte Lightburn, is also a teacher from a family of educators who have served Mission for 84 years.
“Like my family, I have spent my entire career dedicated to helping families, children and youth,” he said in his statement. “When students feel safe, appreciated and supported, they can achieve their best potential. Being a school trustee is naturally the next step for me to serve my community and offer balanced, thoughtful governance.”
Lightburn-Renaud says he brings a progressively whole, healthy approach to the education process with a particular focus on “W.I.S.E: Wellness, Inclusion, Safety & Effectiveness.”
W.I.S.E stands for:
Wellness: More funding for social connections and mental health opportunities after two years of pandemic related stress and hindered services.
Inclusion: Accessibility to services regardless of social-economic status, ability, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation.
Safety: Prompt and restorative resolution for conflicts, bullying and harassment. Safe traffic flow in school zones.
Effectiveness: Innovative solutions for funding issues for new schools and expansions. Strength based strategies to encourage student and teacher achievement.
Lightburn-Renaud has experience working as a supervisor of community services for children and youth. He is also a programming consultant for various youth and children’s groups, including the visually impaired, mobility challenged, and students with neurodiverse abilities.
He has been an advisor with the City of Coquitlam on accessibility for projects such as their award-winning parks and playgrounds, and he has proposed a similar Universal Accessibility Committee to the City of Mission based on his experience. He’s a certified Non-Violent Crisis Management Instructor and Autism Support Specialist and a Behaviour Consultant for neurodiverse youth.
He also consults on school IEP plans. He is a strong supporter of visual and performing arts education and has expert experience as a children’s art and theatre instructor.
www.facebook.com/RossLightburnRenaud
RELATED: Tracy Loffler, current board chair of Mission School District, announces bid for re-election