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Letter: Let's not forget there's a school trustee byelection this month in North Vancouver

The byelection is set for May 29
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A school trustee byelection in North Vancouver is set for May 29, 2021.

Dear Editor:

I would like to comment to those living in the District of North Vancouver that there is a byelection on May 29, 2021 for the position of one school trustee for North Vancouver.

It’s easy to be complacent with so much happening around us and with our health being paramount, but at the same time, it’s a crucial time to support public education as we move forward into a life after pandemic and contemplate what education will look like for students, parents, and staff.

As a community we need to be looking to those candidates who are informed with strong leadership skills, who will work along side the current Board of Education to best represent and support public education going forward.

As a former school trustee and former chair of the Board of Education for the North Vancouver School District, I have continued to be genuinely interested in the work of our school board in providing students with the experiences and supports they need to pursue their talents and aspirations as they seamlessly move through the school system.

As a former trustee, I certainly had my perspectives, values and views and worked diligently in my leadership roles and responsibilities to be informed and knowledgeable on issues coming forward to the board for discussion and decision.

While we are currently living in unprecedented times, through this past year of COVID, protocols have been put in place to create healthy and safe learning environments, however, with no large group gatherings allowed it’s difficult to organize an in person all-candidates meetings for this byelection.

We have learned there are other means and ways to connect virtually or through social media in order to become informed on current issues, events and for that matter, why not your byelection candidates!

As a grandmother now, I will continue to have a vested interest in the future of public education in North Vancouver. I want to be assured that the elected officials making the decisions on behalf of students, parents and staff  have the leadership skills, wisdom and knowledge to make informed decisions that are critical to providing opportunities for growth, knowledge and success, within our school communities.

As a community member in the District of North Vancouver you have a democratic right to vote on May 29, 2021, so please take some time to get informed, go to the DNV website and read up on the five candidates who are running for school trustee. Check out their profiles, find their websites and look them up on social media. Ask them some questions so when you go to vote you have identified which candidate truly represents your views and values in promoting excellence in the North Vancouver School District. Our children, our grandchildren, and our next generation all deserve it!

Franci Stratton
North Vancouver

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