Lisa Dominato
VSB joins Park Board, City of Vancouver in live streaming public meetings
Originally posted on News 1130 – Story By Marcella Bernardo
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Vancouver’s school board is making it easier for parents, students and staff to virtually monitor public meetings.
NPA trustee Lisa Dominato says starting in November, those meetings will be live streamed.
“The City of Vancouver has had live streaming and broadcasting of meetings for a number of years now. The Park Board adopted live streaming in 2015. I think it’s time. I heard from parents and other educators that they want the opportunity to be engaged, so I think it increases transparency and accountability.”
She adds this provides many parents who wish they could attend meetings in person much more flexibility.
“Especially when we’re talking about low-engagement, in terms of voter turnout for elections. I think this is another way of supporting our democratic process with engaging the public in our decision-making.”
Dominato, who is seeking a seat on Vancouver city council in the October 20th civic election, says a recording of each meeting will also be available for up to 180 days after the live broadcast.
She says there are no additional or ongoing costs for software, but some money has been spent on video and audio equipment needed to make the board and committee rooms ready for live streaming.
Motion: Enhancing Arts Education in Vancouver Schools
Motion: Enhancing Arts Education in Vancouver Schools
Be it resolved:
That the Board direct staff to explore the possibility of partnering with the City of Vancouver in the creation of a “Materials for the Arts” program, with the goal of enhancing arts education within Vancouver schools, while enabling creative reuse of materials and diverting them from landfills and City waste streams.
Rationale:
The City of Vancouver is exploring the possibility of creating a “Materials for the Arts” (MFTA) program, modelled after New York City’s successful creative reuse centre, which is dedicated to supporting arts and cultural organizations, including more than 90% of New York public schools.
New York’s MFTA diverts over 1 million pounds of materials from the landfill each year by collecting reusable materials from businesses and individuals and making these donations available for free of charge to various arts, culture, non-profit, and educational organizations and individuals.
By diverting these materials from New York’s waste stream, MFTA reportedly offsets the equivalent of 25 times the CO2 emissions absorbed annually by the trees in New York’s Central Park.
New York’s MFTA program is operated by the City’s Department of Cultural Affairs, with additional support from the Departments of Education and Sanitation.
The Vancouver School Board’s (VSB) vision is to inspire student success by providing an innovative, caring and responsive learning environment.
The VSB strategic plan includes the following goals and objectives:
• Goal 1: Engage our learners through innovative teaching and learning practices.
• Objectives:
• Support collaborative relationships with community partners that enhance student learning and well-being.
• Support effective communication, engagement and community partnerships.
• Implement the recommendations of the Sustainability Action Plan.
The VSB’s new Environmental Sustainability Plan includes specific goals to reduce consumption of resources and waste generation, as well as lead by example.
Research has shown that schools rich in the arts engage the whole student and promote higher levels of achievement.
Partnering with the City of Vancouver in the creation of a “Materials for the Arts” program aligns with the VSB’s vision of inspiring student success through the creation of an innovative and responsive learning environment and the VSB goals set out in the new Environment Sustainability Plan.
Partnering with the City of Vancouver could enable the VSB to save money by accessing free art materials for schools.
A collaboration of this nature is a win-win-win: educational, environmental and financial benefits.
NPA School Board Trustee Lisa Dominato Statement on City Council Candidacy
For immediate release
July 31, 2018.
NPA School Board Trustee Lisa Dominato Statement on City Council Candidacy
VANCOUVER – Sitting NPA School Board Trustee Lisa Dominato issued the following statement today after being selected by the NPA Board to run for City Council.
“I want to thank my family, friends and supporters for urging me to put my name forward and for the opportunity to give back to the community.” said Dominato. “I have spent my entire career in public service and believe my track record of bringing people together to tackle complex public policy would be an asset on Council.”
“I’m committed to exploring ways to enhance the liveability of our city so that people of all ages can call Vancouver home today and in the future, and that we continue to be a compassionate city that takes care of its citizens struggling with housing, mental illness and addiction.”
In accepting her candidacy, Dominato committed to explore ways of addressing housing affordability and liveability by:
- Incenting home owners to voluntarily house an individual or family that is homeless.
- Incenting long-term home owners to offer affordable housing options to young people and middle-income families working toward getting into the market for the first time.
- Expediting building and development permits.
- Advocating vigorously for an expedited timeframe for implementation of ride sharing.
- Prioritizing public spaces, parks and community facilities for renewal, including integration of child care.
“I’m looking forward to working with Ken Sim and the NPA to develop a strong platform that will demonstrate a transparent and effective plan to make life easier for Vancouver citizens and people who want to live here.”
To learn more about Lisa Dominato go to: https://lisadominato.ca/about-lisa/
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Dominato is the immediate Past Chair of the Vancouver Kettle Society, Board Director, National Institute for Child and Youth Mental Health (Family Smart) and sitting Vancouver School Board Trustee.
Contact
Lisa Dominato: 778-980-4422
Website: www.lisadominato.ca
Twitter: @LisaDominato