Martin Li, running for school trustee with the Richmond Education Party, said he wants schools to emphasize foundational skills while taking a balanced approach to artificial intelligence.
The Story
Martin Li is seeking election as a school trustee in Richmond as a candidate for the Richmond Education Party.
In answers provided with his candidacy information, Li said he grew up in Richmond and attended Ferris Elementary and Richmond Secondary.
Li described his background as working in human resources in post-secondary education, supporting students, faculty and staff.
On the question of whether schools should teach more basics such as reading and math, Li said yes, adding that he believes every student deserves a strong start while also emphasizing communication, problem-solving, creativity and responsible technology use.
Li also said he supports additional trades training in the curriculum and said there is enough focus on social issues in the curriculum.
In his responses to other ballot-style questions, Li said he supports allowing school districts to set school tax rates, teaching drug awareness in high school, making elementary track meets more inclusive, and providing more outdoor education opportunities.
Li said outdoor education opportunities should be available to every student and pointed to considerations including accessibility, safety, staffing and resources.
On artificial intelligence, Li said he does not support banning it in schools, arguing that students will encounter AI in post-secondary education, the workplace and everyday life.
Li said he believes schools should help students learn to use AI responsibly and that AI should not replace learning, including reading, writing, thinking for themselves and developing their own ideas.
Regarding cellphones in Richmond schools, Li said no to banning them.
Li also said he believes teachers are not adequately paid, that there should be more educational support workers in schools, and that he supports SOGI policies in Richmond schools.
← More stories