Superintendent’s Message – Reg Klassen

At times education seems to be an elusive entity that exists in the midst of countless interpretations of what education should look like. As a society, we would argue that it is very important, so much so that we have legislation directing many aspects of education throughout our country. However, as we all know, legislation does not guarantee success. Added to this “no guarantee” is the fact that success in our ever changing world can be and is measured in a multitude of ways. So then, how do we sort our way through this seemingly convoluted challenge of education?

Of course I have a number of notions of how we might face that challenge and achieve that success but will focus on one that I deem to be extremely important. Let me begin by stating that education is everybody’s business. We all need to view education as our collective responsibility simply because its impact on our society will remain with us a long time. I also believe this responsibility should challenge all of us to spend more time in dialogue, discussion, and asking questions about educational topics and issues. This dialogue, discussion, and questioning should be an ongoing activity, not just when we see our tax bill or when we are dissatisfied with a particular aspect of education. All members of the community need to be a part of this conversation, not just parents, students, and employees of the school division. With everyone involved in the conversation we create a platform for making good decisions. In her book turning to one another, Margaret Wheatley says that “when we humans don’t talk to one another, we stop acting intelligently”. She goes on to say that “conversation is the natural way that humans think together”.

Reg Klassen
Superintendent