2022 school trustee candidates

The Vancouver School Board (School District No. 39) is made up of nine school trustees. The School Board is independent of City Council.

The School Board provides elementary, secondary, community, and specialized education services in Vancouver, the UBC Lands, and University Endowment Lands.

Candidate names are listed in numeric order based on the results of the random ballot draw.

The views expressed in these profiles are the views of the candidates and they are not endorsed by the City of Vancouver, the Vancouver Park Board or the Vancouver School Board.

Profiles are reproduced as submitted by the candidates and the content has not been altered in any way.

300

RICHARDSON, Christopher JK

(He/Him)
Party: ABC Vancouver

Top 3 priorities
1. More individualization
2. Safer schools
3. Promoting inclusivity
Platform

- Restore honours programs
- Reinstate the school liaison officer program
- More individualized learning – support programs in financial literacy, coding, and sustainability
- Fully fund music and fine arts programs
- Properly invest in modern, seismically safe, and accessible school facilities
- Ensure children with special needs have access to proper resources and support

Biography

Christopher is a former Park Board Commissioner and former School Board Trustee, he previously served as Chair of the Vancouver School Board from 2014 to 2015. He is an accountant, a UBC student, and is one of the longest-serving members of the VPD, having served as a special constable for over 49 years.

Contact

Email: info@abcvancouver.ca

Website: https://abcvancouver.ca/team/chris-richardson/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Vote4ABC

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (407 KB)
- Statement of disclosure (584 KB)
301

FEDORA, Aaron
Party: NPA

Top 3 priorities
1. Restore Liaison Officers
2. Restore Honours Programs
3. Increase Accessibility
Platform

Committed to implementing a holistic approach, with the NPA leadership in City Hall and the Parks Board, to establish a safe and affordable City for all residents.

Biography

Not provided

Contact

Email: aaron@votenpa.ca

Website: http://www.npavancouver.ca

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (393 KB)
- Statement of disclosure (218 KB)
302

CHAN-PEDLEY, Lois

(she/her)
Party: GREEN

Top 3 priorities
1. Immersive Outdoor Classes
2. Community Partnerships
3. Supplementary Funding
Platform

Trustee Chan-Pedley led efforts to explore additional funding options to deliver climate- and seismically-safe schools, and excellence in education. Next term she will focus on expanding children's access to nature, increasing music programs, and building relationships with community partners to provide supportive services to students. Trustee Chan-Pedley is committed to collaborating across party lines and working together for the best interests of Vancouver's students.

Biography

Lois Chan-Pedley is a mom, IT consultant, and incumbent School Trustee. She believes that the toughest problems faced by younger generations need to be solved by people working together, and wants to show her kids that it's possible to make big decisions with empathy and kindness.

Contact

Email: lois.chan-pedley@vangreens.ca

Website: www.vangreens.ca/lois_chan-pedley

Twitter: @Fishtron

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (947 KB)
- Statement of disclosure (345 KB)
303

THOMSON, Hilary

(she/her)
Party: Vision Vancouver

Top 3 priorities
1. A Culture of Inclusion
2. Support for Innovation
3. Safe Accessible Spaces
Platform

All children in every neighbourhood deserve a great education and access to seamless, affordable childcare. We need to make sure we are building and staffing schools in areas of the city that are growing. We need to provide the right supports for children with disabilities, and make sure our buildings and playgrounds are seismically-safe and accessible. We should encourage innovation and make the district a place people want to work and study.

Biography

I am a lawyer, former PAC chair, and a mother of four. I have worked in the private and public sector. I have volunteered with organizations that support children and families, including Inclusion BC.

I am running because we need people with passion and experience to make our district a place where families are heard and educators are supported.

Contact

Email: hilaryfortrustee@gmail.com

Instagram: @hilarythomsonyvr

Twitter: @hilaryt

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (741 KB)
- Statement of disclosure (522 KB)
304

MAH, Suzie 馬陳小珠

(she/her/hers)
Party: COPE

Top 3 priorities
1. Increase Funding
2. Protect Schools
3. Restore Programs
Platform

As an elected official, I will commit to achieving more funding to address the past 20 years of budget cuts. Neighborhood schools must be protected from closure and new schools built where needed. We need to improve access to before and after school care and daycare programs. Visual and performing arts programs are vital to a well-rounded education for every student. We need to bring back these programs for students.

Biography

I am a recently retired Vancouver teacher and union activist with over 30 years of experience working in the Vancouver school system. I was also born, raised, and educated in Vancouver public schools. I want work with fellow trustees, parents, students, unions, Indigenous communities, and other critical education stakeholders to create a fully funded, safe, inclusive, and thriving school district.

Contact

Email: suzie@copevancouver.ca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/electsuziemah

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (188 KB)
- Statement of disclosure (188 KB)
305

TENGCO, Amanda
Top 3 priorities
1. Stop activism in schools
2. Covid mandates hurt kids
3. Building real-life skills
Platform

I believe that the primary responsibility for children's education and upbringing lies with the parents, not special interest groups. As parents, we need assurances that our schools are doing what they are entrusted to do. The focus should always be on education and critical thinking, not indoctrination. Quality education develops real-life skills and builds healthy social habits, therefore preparing youth for a productive adulthood.

Biography

I attended public school K-12 and was a graduate of the trades program, ACE-IT. I attended Douglas College and have worked in Health Care, for (almost) 20 years as a Recreation & Horticulture Therapist. As a mother I have concerns about the curriculum & feel those concerns have been disregarded. My goal is to give parents their voice back.

Contact

Website: www.amandatengco.ca

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (802 KB)
- Statement of disclosure (319 KB)
306

LEUNG, Aaron

(he/him)
Party: Vision Vancouver

Top 3 priorities
1. Mental Health Services
2. Safe Local Schools
3. Keep school land public
Platform

No matter where you live, I believe that everyone deserves to have a neighbourhood school that meets their needs. I'm passionate about housing community mental health services in schools so that they're just down the hall and not across town. As an advocate who fought against school closures, I'll stand up for transparent community consultations. Schools are local gathering places and I want to ensure that our neighbours can use them for generations to come.

Biography

Aaron is a locally and nationally recognized leader who cares deeply about public education. He was the Chair of the City of Vancouver Children, Youth and Families Advisory Committee and held decision-makers accountable to make Vancouver move livable for families.

Aaron received the Greenest City Leadership Award for his work with the VSB on sustainability initiatives and environmental education.

Contact

Email: aaron.leung@votevision.ca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HiAaronLeung

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HiAaronLeung

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (776 KB)
- Statement of disclosure (246 KB)
307

ZEIDLER, Karina

(She/her)
Party: VOTE Socialist

Top 3 priorities
1. Return universal masking
2. Clean air in schools
3. Free breakfast and lunch
Platform

As a socialist, I believe we have a collective responsibility to take action to protect and nurture the children in our communities, especially those who are most vulnerable.

That's why we need universal masking and clean air in schools to prevent communicable diseases like Covid, so that all kids can access their right to safe education.

We also need free breakfast and lunch for all, because a hungry child can't access education.

Biography

I've been a family doctor in East Vancouver for 8 years. My practice reflects my passion for gender-affirming care, reproductive justice, sexual health, and fighting racism and colonialism.

I see my political activism as part of my calling as a doctor. I believe, as Dr. Virchow says, that "politics is nothing but medicine on a grand scale."

Contact

Website: https://www.votesocialist2022.ca/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrKarinaZeidlerForSchoolBoard

Twitter: @DrKarinaZeidler

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (756 KB)
- Statement of disclosure (955 KB)
308

HOPKINS, Heming

(He/Him)
Top 3 priorities
1. True Equity for students
2. Mental health for teens
3. Responsive local policy
Platform

As a parent of three young children and an alumnus of the Vancouver public school system, I will push the Board to reevaluate its approach to equity, and refocus policy outcomes on improving mental health for high school students burdened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Biography

As a parent of three young children, I've been repeatedly frustrated by the learning and mental health outcomes of the public school system, a feeling I know many parents share. I was born in Vancouver, went to public school from Kindergarten through Grade 12, and I want to see the system provide good outcomes for its students again.

Contact

Email: heming.hopkins.sbt@gmail.com

Twitter: @HemingVSBC

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (645 KB)
- Statement of disclosure (300 KB)
309

LITZCKE, Karin
Top 3 priorities
1. No transgender ideology
2. No climate despair!
3. COVID choice; no mandates
Platform

Public education has been union-controlled for forty years, to everyone's detriment. Children and teachers are suffering in chaotic, toxic classrooms, about which union-supported activists stifle public debate. As a result, schools are destabilizing society, and alienating kids from families.

School should equip young Canadians with optimism, and capacity to: enter the workforce, form healthy relationships, and own property. Today's adults need to take responsibility for reversing toxic schools, and that begins with evicting transgender ideology.

Biography

Education writer, researcher, advocate for better schools since my kids started school in the 1990s. I have pursued parent and public rights in committees, in media, and in court. I have supported teachers who use best practices for teaching math and reading, and pushed schools to deliver what parents and taxpayers expect: effective, economical programming that keeps kids emotionally healthy.

Contact

Phone: 236-818-6391

Email: Litz@telus.net

Website: www.KarinLitzcke.ca

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (1.3 MB)
- Statement of disclosure (426 KB)
310

TRIGUEROS, Rocco

(he,him)
Party: COPE Burnaby

Top 3 priorities
1. STOP SCHOOL CLOSURES
2. UNIVERSAL MEAL PROGRAM
3. FREE BC TRANSIT (12-18)
Platform

● Universal meal program for all elementary and high schools, so that no student goes hungry due to rising costs of food.

● Expand free transit to children and youth 12-18 years old.

● Fully fund public schools and protecting schools from closure.

● Involve students in the fight for a greener future.

● As a democratically elected trustee, I will consult with students, parents, teachers, and services providers before a decision is made.

Biography

My professional life has been dedicated to children and youth. I've worked for the City as a Latin Youth Worker, helped run youth programs at Trout Lake Community Centre, and I'm currently an Educational Assistant specializing in children on the spectrum. With the CUPE BC Pink Triangle committee, I helped push to end conversation therapy that affects many children nationally.

Contact

Email: roccotrigueros@gmail.com

Instagram: roccotrigueros

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoccoTrigueros

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (756 KB)
- Statement of disclosure (315 KB)
311

AGGARWAL, Rahul 羅家衛
Party: NPA

Top 3 priorities
1. School Liaison Program
2. Honours Program
3. Parental Rights
Platform

Rahul's top priorities would be returning the Honours Program and the Police Liaison Program. He wants to provide a safe environment for students and their parents at all Vancouver schools while ensuring that we don't put all children in a one-size fits all educational system.
Through his experiences, he understands that one common desire among all parents and guardians is for their children to remain safe and be well educated.

Biography

As a new dad, I am extremely passionate about making Vancouver's school system being world class. As an immigrant who came to Canada as a teenager, I understand education as a pathway to success. He became a Collaborative Family Law Lawyer after attended Langara College, then SFU and eventually the University of Sydney Law School.

Contact

Email: rahul@votenpa.ca

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (488 KB)
- Statement of disclosure (233 KB)
312

MCARTHUR, Kera

(she/her)
Party: Vision Vancouver

Top 3 priorities
1. Inclusivity & childcare
2. Open & transparent Board
3. School swimming lessons
Platform

As someone who went through school with undiagnosed learning disabilities, I am passionate about creating inclusive schools where every child gets the support they need to succeed and thrive. This includes ensuring all our schools have accessible and affordable wrap-around childcare. I will also work with other levels of government to make free swimming lessons part of elementary school programming. And Vision Vancouver will bring back greater transparency and access to the School Board.

Biography

I worked in administrative positions at UBC and SFU for 12 years, developing knowledge of, and experience with, education policy, governance, finance, and infrastructure development. I am the mother of two and treasurer of my Parent Advisory Committee. For six years, I served on the board of a non-profit that provides services for youth facing significant challenges.

Contact

Phone: 604-330-9327

Email: Kera.vancouver@gmail.com

Other: www.linkedin.com/in/kera-mcarthur-vancouver

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (499 KB)
- Statement of disclosure (247 KB)
313

CHIEN, Alfred

(He/Him)
Party: ABC Vancouver

Top 3 priorities
1. More individualization
2. Safer schools
3. Promoting inclusivity
Platform

- Restore honours programs
- Reinstate the school liaison officer program
- More individualized learning – support programs in financial literacy, coding, and sustainability
- Fully fund music and fine arts programs
- Properly invest in modern, seismically safe, and accessible school facilities
- Ensure children with special needs have access to proper resources and support

Biography

Alfred is the founder and CEO of TUEX Education, an app-based tutoring platform that aims to provide affordable tutoring services. He is also the founder of the TUEX Foundation, a non-profit that provides free tutoring to children from low-income families. Alfred sits on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Liver Foundation (BC and Yukon).

Contact

Email: info@abcvancouver.ca

Website: https://abcvancouver.ca/team/alfred-chien/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Vote4ABC

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (188 KB)
- Statement of disclosure (188 KB)
314

FARIDKOT, Preeti

(She/Her)
Party: ABC Vancouver

Top 3 priorities
1. More individualization
2. Safer schools
3. Promoting inclusivity
Platform

- Restore honours programs
- Reinstate the school liaison officer program
- More individualized learning – support programs in financial literacy, coding, and sustainability
- Fully fund music and fine arts programs
- Properly invest in modern, seismically safe, and accessible school facilities
- Ensure children with special needs have access to proper resources and support

Biography

Preeti currently works in the technology department of the Richmond School District and is a mother of three children currently in the Vancouver public school system. She has worked for a non-profit agency (S.U.C.C.E.S.S.) helping new immigrants settle into Canada.

Contact

Email: info@abcvancouver.ca

Website: https://abcvancouver.ca/team/preeti-faridkot/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Vote4ABC

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (1 MB)
- Statement of disclosure (888 KB)
315

FRASER, Janet

(she/her)
Party: GREEN

Top 3 priorities
1. Student success
2. Reconciliation
3. School age childcare
Platform

The success of students will always be the focus of my work as a trustee. My aim is to have each and every VSB student graduate with dignity, with purpose and with options for the next steps in their lives.
Layered on top of public education, I see schools as community hubs and will seek to expand before-and-after school childcare and increase community partnerships to better support families.

Biography

I'm a mum, scientist, former PAC Chair, gardener and dog owner who lives in Marpole where we raised our three children who attended VSB schools. I am an immigrant from the UK who on a Reconciliation learning journey on Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh unceded lands.
I'm running to serve Vancouver students with commitment and integrity.

Contact

Email: janet.fraser@vangreens.ca

Website: https://www.vangreens.ca/janet_fraser

Twitter: @janetrfraser

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (908 KB)
- Statement of disclosure (333 KB)
316

JUNG, Victoria

(She/Her)
Party: ABC Vancouver

Top 3 priorities
1. More individualization
2. Safer schools
3. Promoting inclusivity
Platform

- Restore honours programs
- Reinstate the school liaison officer program
- More individualized learning – support programs in financial literacy, coding, and sustainability
- Fully fund music and fine arts programs
- Properly invest in modern, seismically safe, and accessible school facilities
- Ensure children with special needs have access to proper resources and support

Biography

Victoria works in Environmental Consulting and brings years of board experience as VP, Information for the Environmental Managers Association of BC. She has volunteered with the Vancouver Women's Crisis Centre since 2011 and is a passionate advocate for girls in STEM.

Contact

Email: info@abcvancouver.ca

Website: https://abcvancouver.ca/team/victoria-jung/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Vote4ABC

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (1.2 MB)
- Statement of disclosure (286 KB)
317

SIGURDSON, Krista

(She/Her)
Party: OneCity

Top 3 priorities
1. Neighbourhood schools
2. Supporting students/staff
3. Transparent decisions
Platform

Neighbourhood schools are integral to strong communities. OneCity will build on the work of incumbent Trustee Reddy to protect school board land from sale, ensure public input in decision making, engage in meaningful consultation with host nations on land use decisions, and grow services provided in schools. From expanded library hours, more childcare options for families, anti-racism training, planning seismic upgrading using relevant data, OneCity will make bold decisions that support families and schools.

Biography

Krista Sigurdson (she/her) served as executive on the Vancouver District Parent Advisory Council, and is a regular correspondent on CBC's parent panel. Sigurdson holds a doctorate from the University of California San Francisco, teaches sociology at UBC, and is on the Parent Advisory Council for her childrens' school in the Downtown Eastside.

Contact

Email: krista@onecityvancouver.ca

Website: https://www.onecityvancouver.ca/school_board

Twitter: @ksigurdson

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (604 KB)
- Statement of disclosure (1 MB)
318

EPSTEIN, Kyla

(She/her/hers)
Party: OneCity

Top 3 priorities
1. Neighbourhood schools
2. Supporting students/staff
3. Transparent decisions
Platform

Neighbourhood schools are integral to strong communities. OneCity will build on the work of incumbent Trustee Reddy to protect school board land from sale, ensure public input in decision making, engage in meaningful consultation with host nations on land use decisions, and grow services provided in schools. From expanded library hours, more childcare options for families, anti-racism training, planning seismic upgrading using relevant data, OneCity will make bold decisions that support families and schools.

Biography

Kyla (she/her) works at BCIT and is a former chair of the Vancouver Public Library and past director with the BC Library Trustees Association. She is an active volunteer, serving over a decade on Parent Advisory Council executives, and is currently on the boards of Vancouver Writers Festival, Laurier Institution, and the National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation.

Contact

Email: kyla@onecityvancouver.ca

Website: www.onecityvancouver.ca

Twitter: www.twitter.com/kylaepstein

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (188 KB)
- Statement of disclosure (188 KB)
319

VAUGHAN, Ashley

(She/Her)
Party: NPA

Top 3 priorities
1. School Liaison
2. Honours Program
3. Universal Inclusion
Platform

Our schools need to be safe spaces for our children and that starts with restarting the school liaison program. The honours program allows students who thrive to excel and helps us to provide world class education. As the mother of a daughter with disabilities, universal inclusion in education is close to my heart. Our classrooms need to cater to all students. I will be a strong advocate for students with disabilities should I be elected.

Biography

I'm the proud mother of 3 young children. I started working in the tourism industry and have my education to thank for helping me succeed. I'm a strong advocate for those with disabilities. I have a close relationship with the Vancouver parks and beaches department, advocating for accessibility in our parks and will continue that on school board.

Contact

Email: ashley@votenpa.ca

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (460 KB)
- Statement of disclosure (201 KB)
320

REDDY, Jennifer

(she/her)
Party: OneCity

Top 3 priorities
1. Neighbourhood schools
2. Supporting students/staff
3. Transparent decisions
Platform

Neighbourhood schools are integral to strong communities. OneCity will build on the work of incumbent Trustee Reddy to protect school board land from sale, ensure public input in decision making, engage in meaningful consultation with host nations on land use decisions, and grow services provided in schools. From expanded library hours, more childcare options for families, anti-racism training, planning seismic upgrading using relevant data, OneCity will make bold decisions that support families and schools.

Biography

Jennifer Reddy (she/her) is a determined advocate for access and equity. As a School Board Trustee, she worked to establish safe school streets, expand staff training, and prevent the sale of public land. Reddy holds a Masters in Social Policy/Development from the London School of Economics and brings experience in youth work, policy development and curriculum design.

Contact

Email: jennifer@onecityvancouver.ca

Website: https://www.onecityvancouver.ca/school_board

Twitter: @reddyforchange

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (623 KB)
- Statement of disclosure (273 KB)
321

GOODINE, Nadine C

(She/Her)
Party: NPA

Top 3 priorities
1. School Liaison
2. Honours Program
3. Parental Involvement
Platform

I believe in a safe school environment and think that we can provide our children with one by restarting the police liaison program. This can be expanded on by providing improved access to mental health support in schools. By returning the honours program to our schools we can improve the quality of education that our children receive. I also believe that parents should be involved more in their children's schools and curriculum.

Biography

Nadine moved here from Montreal in 2000 and fell in love with Vancouver. Prior to her three boys moving on to their Secondary School education, Nadine had been active on the PAC at Southlands Elementary as co-chair. She believes in the right to quality education, providing a safe school environment, and providing youth with access to wellness/mental health programs.

Contact

Email: nadine@votenpa.ca

Website: https://npavancouver.ca/

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (831 KB)
- Statement of disclosure (374 KB)
322

SOMERS, Gavin

(They/them/theirs)
Party: OneCity

Top 3 priorities
1. Neighbourhood schools
2. Supporting students/staff
3. Transparent decisions
Platform

Neighbourhood schools are integral to strong communities. OneCity will build on the work of incumbent Trustee Reddy to protect school board land from sale, ensure public input in decision making, engage in meaningful consultation with host nations on land use decisions, and grow services provided in schools. From expanded library hours, more childcare options for families, anti-racism training, planning seismic upgrading using relevant data, OneCity will make bold decisions that support families and schools.

Biography

Gavin Somers (they/them) is the education director for Out In Schools, an award-winning 2SLGBTQIA+ education program that offers workshops in schools across British Columbia. Somers is currently on parental leave with their first child.

Contact

Email: gavin4onecity@gmail.com

Website: https://www.onecityvancouver.ca/school_board

Instagram: Gavin4OneCity

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (188 KB)
- Statement of disclosure (188 KB)
323

BROWN, Rory

(he/his)
Party: OneCity

Top 3 priorities
1. Neighbourhood schools
2. Supporting students/staff
3. Transparent decisions
Platform

Neighbourhood schools are integral to strong communities. OneCity will build on the work of incumbent Trustee Reddy to protect school board land from sale, ensure public input in decision making, engage in meaningful consultation with host nations on land use decisions, and grow services provided in schools. From expanded library hours, more childcare options for families, anti-racism training, planning seismic upgrading using relevant data, OneCity will make bold decisions that support families and schools.

Biography

Rory Brown (he/him) is the former president of the Vancouver Secondary Teachers Association and served on the executive of the BC Teachers Federation. Brown taught high school in Vancouver for 15 years before joining the BCIT Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Contact

Email: rory@onecityvancouver.ca

Website: https://www.onecityvancouver.ca/

Twitter: @RoryAEBrown

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (695 KB)
- Statement of disclosure (302 KB)
324

LEVINE, Zelda
Top 3 priorities
1. Stop transgender ideology
2. Stop anti-family agendas
3. Stop K-12 indoctrination
Platform

I join a movement championing parent/family rights and decisions in K-12 education. Overreach and capture of K-12 by union, government, university, and special interests must end. Promotion of hypersexual themes and transgender ideology in K-12 must end. Hijacking of K-12 by antisocial and antihuman ideologies must end. Parents and children must return to the centre of K-12, where they belong. Schools must responsibly deliver practical and vetted education; not promote radical ideologies.

Biography

Broad experience in publishing for 25 years. Two terms on Editors' Association of Canada Regional Executive in 1990s. Bilingual, lived in five Canadian regions and internationally. My children attended Vancouver schools K-12. Homeschooled a few years because education became the system's lowest priority. My children's after-school reports shocked me daily. The message was of chaos, politicization, and incompetence. We can build better schools!

Contact

Email: zeldalevine2022@gmail.com

Website: https://stopgenderideologykto12.substack.com/

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (1.7 MB)
- Statement of disclosure (323 KB)
325

KLJAJIC, Milan 夏•米男
Party: NPA

Top 3 priorities
1. POLICE LIASON PROGRAM
2. BEFORE/AFTER CARE PROGRAM
3. REINSTATE HONORS SYSTEM
Platform

Supporting the following: 1)The Liaison Program provides valuable support for our students and officers can respond to violence or danger immediately. 2)We will give the Vancouver School Board direction to implement a program where parents can drop of their children at school as early as 7am and pick-up they child as late as 6pm. 3)Reinstating the Honors systems.

Biography

I am married with a lovely wife and a young son and I want to make sure our public school system is running efficiently. I want to bring in some new energy and excitement and a fresh perspective to engage a more powerful connection between, parents, children, families, staff and the community.

Contact

Twitter: @kljajic_m

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (531 KB)
- Statement of disclosure (318 KB)
326

CARDWELL, Steve

(he/him)
Party: Vision Vancouver

Top 3 priorities
1. Safe neighborhood schools
2. Truth & Reconciliation
3. Mental health & wellness
Platform

I will support student success and well-being, ensure accessibility to safe neighbourhood schools, and advocate for more resources for improved teaching, learning, and working conditions. With more than 40 years in public education, my background and leadership experience has prepared me to respond to the most significant challenges affecting the school district. I know the people and the processes of our school system. I will work collaboratively with full transparency and open consultation.

Biography

Steve Cardwell was awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal for exemplary service in public education. He is Vice President, Students at KPU, and previously was Superintendent of the Vancouver and Delta School Boards. Steve holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from SFU, and is known for valuing ethical leadership, fostering strong relationships, and demonstrating exemplary communication skills.

Contact

Email: cardwell4vsb@gmail.com

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/myphronesis

Other: http://linkedin.com/in/myphronesis

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (468 KB)
- Statement of disclosure (303 KB)
327

POPPELL, Nick

(he/him)
Party: GREEN

Top 3 priorities
1. Food Systems in Schools
2. Staff/Student Housing
3. Arts in Schools
Platform

Drawing on his experience as a facilities manager, Nick will push the provincial government to fulfill their seismic upgrade responsibilities, and hold the government to account on building new schools. Nick has a keen interest in developing sustainable food programs and believes in educating and empowering students to make the healthiest life choices. He will be a champion of arts in schools, and look to build relationships with arts organizations in the city.

Biography

Nick Poppell is running so younger generations can be excited about their futures, not fighting for them. He believes every child should have an inclusive and supportive environment to grow and learn. Nick has worked extensively in the arts, and facilities management. He studied and worked at the Universities of British Columbia and Victoria, graduating with a BFA in Theatre.

Contact

Email: nick.poppell@vangreens.ca

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickpoppell/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NicolasPoppell

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (500 KB)
- Statement of disclosure (242 KB)
328

ZHANG, Josh

(He/Him)
Party: ABC Vancouver

Top 3 priorities
1. More individualization
2. Safer schools
3. Promoting inclusivity
Platform

- Restore honours programs
- Reinstate the school liaison officer program
- More individualized learning – support programs in financial literacy, coding, and sustainability
- Fully fund music and fine arts programs
- Properly invest in modern, seismically safe, and accessible school facilities
- Ensure children with special needs have access to proper resources and support

Biography

Josh is a CPA and longtime resident of Vancouver. He spent 11 years in the Vancouver public school system, having attended Kerrisdale Elementary, and Point Grey Secondary.

Contact

Email: info@abcvancouver.ca

Website: https://abcvancouver.ca/team/josh-zhang/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Vote4ABC

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (821 KB)
- Statement of disclosure (295 KB)
329

WONG, Allan 黃偉倫

(he/him)
Party: Vision Vancouver

Top 3 priorities
1. Funding Public Education
2. Sense of Belonging
3. Seismic Upgrades
Platform

Following a lengthy engagement survey, the Board's new 5 year Education Plan has a focus on Sense of Belonging for students, staff, parents and community. Every decision that is made needs to be asked if it helps student achievement and a sense of belonging in their school. Only when students feel comfortable in their educational environment then we may ensure positive student growth.

Biography

I'm a father of 4 and a proud husband. I have been, for over 20 years, a committed and dedicated VSB Trustee. I love Vancouver and especially our Public Education System. I have taught in every elementary school in Vancouver. As well, I worked at TELUS for 34 years. I will continue to advocate strongly for proper education funding.

Contact

Email: al.wong@telus.net

Instagram: @allanwong1964

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWong39

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (795 KB)
- Statement of disclosure (316 KB)
330

ALAM, Matiul
Party: TEAM

Top 3 priorities
1. Diversity & Inclusiveness
2. Safe School Environment
3. Quality Education
Platform

A world-class education is a precondition for peace, happiness, progress, creativity, and sustainability in our world-class city. I am committed to ensuring policymaking to help rebuild our children-centered and school-based learning communities.
Inclusiveness, diversity, safer schools, affordability, active learning, and community voices would be emphasized in policymaking. Vancouver School Board and the Ministry of Education in developing innovative policies meeting the challenges of post-Covid-19 educational reform, technology integration, affordability, poverty, digital divide, and knowledge economy.

Biography

I taught teachers and educators at Simon Fraser University, Western Washington University, University of Northern British Columbia, Commonwealth Open University, and the University of British Columbia for over 30 years. My track record of community services and as a parent makes me an ideal candidate to serve Vancouver School Board as a dependable trustee.

Contact

Phone: 6043231220

Email: akmmatiulalam@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matiul.alam.7

Candidate documents
- Nomination papers (708 KB)
- Statement of disclosure (233 KB)

2022 school trustee candidates

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