October 23, 2024
The recent BC provincial election results underscore the diverse representation and inclusive nature of our locally elected school trustees. These trustees, who form boards of education, are not just governing leaders but also the most direct link to the educational system in our communities. They are essential partners in fostering a healthy democracy and building exceptional communities. In the recent provincial election, the British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA) was pleased to see a past president of BCSTA elected to represent the riding of Ladysmith-Oceanside in the Legislature. Additionally, voters chose four current trustees from various regions and across the political spectrum to represent their ridings provincially.
We know that today’s students are tomorrow’s parents, workers, and leaders, and we rely on them to make our communities vibrant and our economy strong. The work of trustees is to ensure that local districts deliver on this future. Their deep knowledge of the education system and the intersecting issues, such as childcare and school food programs, ensures that trustees who have stepped from school boards to the Legislature can carry on this critical work for students and their communities.
Among those who have made the step to be elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in this election is BCSTA’s past president, Stephanie Higginson. Stephanie was elected as the BC NDP MLA in the riding of Ladysmith-Oceanside. Stephanie served her community as a school board trustee for eight years. During her tenure as a trustee, she was vice-chair and chair of the Board of Education for Nanaimo-Ladysmith Public Schools. Additionally, Stephanie will now bring both her provincial and local experience on advocacy and the intricacies of the education system to her new role.
Provincial advocacy for public education is one of the primary roles of the BCSTA. In addition, the BCSTA provides coordination, education, and support for boards across the province and ensures that professional development and advocacy align with improving student achievement, the key work of locally elected boards of education. This provincial-level work serves individual communities through their boards of education, ensuring their unique needs are met. When trustees are elected to provincial office, BCSTA’s work provides the foundation to build upon to support students, families and school system staff across the province. This past election, voters in four ridings chose trustees to represent them in the Legislature and carry the mantle of public education to this provincial level.
Coquitlam School District Trustee Jennifer Blatherwick was elected as the BC NDP MLA in the riding of Coquitlam-Maillardville. Jennifer was serving her second term as a trustee for the Board of Education for the Coquitlam School District. During her tenure, Jennifer served on the Finance and Audit Committee and was the chair of the Childcare Task Force.
West Vancouver School District Trustee Lynne Block was elected as the BC Conservative MLA in the riding of West Vancouver-Capilano. A lifelong educator, Lynne was elected to the Board of Education for the West Vancouver School District in 2018 and was re-elected in 2022.
Abbotsford School District Trustee Korky Neufeld was elected as the BC Conservative MLA in the riding of Abbotsford West. Korky is a long-serving trustee for the Board of Education for the Abbotsford School District, having dedicated over 13 years to his community in that position. During his tenure, Korky also held the position of chair of the board.
Chilliwack School District Trustee Heather Maahs was elected as the BC Conservative MLA in the riding of Chilliwack North. Before she was elected as an MLA, Heather was the longest-serving current member of the Board of Education for the Chilliwack School District.
The results of this election have introduced five new representatives who will serve their ridings at the provincial level. Their extensive experience in the educational system will be reflected in their work. The BCSTA will continue to advocate for our priorities, ensuring that education matters not only to these newly elected representatives but to everyone involved in the education system and relevant ministries.