About Hi, I'm James Chaney
Leadership That Listens. A Community That Works Together.
Born & raised in New Zealand. I have raised three children to adulthood in Victoria. For decades, I have provided the best possible care to people in my community in their fight against cancer. I thoroughly enjoy contributing to boards and committees. I find the process of teamwork rewarding and essential. My goal as trustee is to continue to serve this community and do everything I can as a board team member to improve the school environment. My area of special interest is strategic planning and enhancing systems and processes.
Drawn to the west coast for work, I stayed for the welcoming community & lifestyle. I love being active and outdoors. My primary mode of transport is a bike. I cycle all over greater Victoria year round (the rain is never that bad!). The most important thing to me is people, especially our young people. Their future hinges on how well we prepare them.
How I Got Here
Having spent three decades on the front lines of cancer care, working with people in the fight for their life, I have developed a skill set of caring empathy, listening, encouraging and empowering. I firmly believe in the numerous benefits of team sports and teamwork. With my kids in sports, my volunteering to coach enabled me skills in leading and teaching that has transferred into professional life. I now hold a leadership role in healthcare teaching, leading projects and collaborative multi-disciplinary groups. Guided by a goal to represent voices of my kids, their peers and parents of students led me to chair the Oak Bay High School PAC then later join the Victoria Confederation of PACs. Refereeing adult sport has enhanced my conflict management and mediation skills. As president of Vancouver Island Soccer, these roles have required my leadership, governance in updating bylaws and constitution amendments as well as decisions in budget and fund allocations. This variety of professional and community roles has prepared me for the role of School Board Trustee. A trustee must bring a collection of these skills. To collaborate with various community partners, to review and create policies, to determine the district budget and by listening to parents & teachers be a bridge between the public and the school system.
My Values & Beliefs
Team Player
I am committed to building and sustaining strong, trusting relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners. Years of proven experience in the community roles has refined my team-based approach.
Fiscal Intelligence
School budgets are a direct reflection of community priorities. I will ensure financial decisions are guided by listening to the real needs of our entire school community.
Effective Governance
Good governance requires transparency, active listening, and evidence-based decision-making. I will hold the superintendents office accountable for executing the board decisions. Ultimately the board is accountable to the community that we serve.
Egalitarian
I am fiercely protective of democracy, ensuring all partners are heard, represented and included. As a parent and voter I am wary of cronyism or trustee endorsements by special interest groups. In a community role, to be truly open to listening, to advocate and to prioritise the students, the trustee must remain unbiased.
Why Work With Me
Climate. Inclusion. Reconciliation. Effective budget. Strong working relationships with community partners. I intend to listen and learn the interests of students, parents, teachers, school district staff and First Nation partners. It is important that our trustees be accessible and available. To learn the community issues and to advocate and be responsive. I aim to represent the needs of the community.