Advocacy Committee Representative:  Tyson Shmyr

President & Executive Team:

Interim President – Tyson Shmyr

Acting Vice-President – Ron Scott

Treasurer – Beth Tirona

Communications Officer – Scott Deyell

Member at Large – Bithia Chung

# of members in your organization: 101 as of October 14, 2021

Usual locations where members work: PASA members work all over the district at various VSB sites – from schools to the learning resource center, from the maintenance yard to the Education Centre and even the office of the Superintendent.

Key role of your organization in the District: To support the well-being and development of the diverse membership through professional development, advocacy, and representation.

Specifically, why are “Vancouver” public schools a great place to teach, work, go to school and be a part of?  It is great to work in Vancouver public schools because our district is so diverse.  We are part of a staff team that is committed to working together to address and support the needs of all students who enter our schools. Vancouver schools are also very community focused and make community building a primary focus for all departments.

Why is Public education important? Public education is important because it makes it possible for students from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to gain knowledge, skills and opportunities that will help them shape their own futures and successes, along with laying the foundation for the growth and development of our communities. 

Why is your organization an integral part of the public education system? Exempt staff play a significant role in the day-to-day operations of the entire district.  PASA has impacts on what happens inside and outside of class and provides resources to support the success of students, their families, and staff.

How has your organization connected positively with the local neighbourhood? PASA represents exempt staff from various departments within the district. With members in diverse positions, PASA has positive connections to local neighbourhoods across the city.  These valuable staff help to get and keep teachers in school communities, support out of school time programming, work on planning of seismic upgrades and school replacements, and build strong relationships with community organizations which is fundamental for healthy neighbourhoods. 

What is one example of advancing student success that you’re proud about?  Share one story of an important positive event that your organization has helped the community (could be as an individual member, as a group or as an association) that advances student success.

As an association we support the awarding of the Phillip Paulson Scholarship, in honour of the late Phillip Paulson, Director of Planning and Facilities for the VSB. Phil was passionate about public education and building community, and thus the scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates compassion, a dedication to serving others, and a commitment to the betterment of individuals or the greater society.  This past year the scholarship was awarded to a graduating student from David Thompson who started her studies of Applied Science (Engineering) at UBC in September 2021. The recipient overcame personal challenges from a young age, and she demonstrated a practice of compassion and volunteerism leading many clubs at David Thompson and within the Community. The recipient hopes to merge her interest in science and engineering with her entrepreneurial spirit, by supporting industry in transitioning to technologies that promote both economic and environmental stability.