After the surprise resignation of qathet School District (qSD) trustee Rob Hill last December, the time has come to elect a new trustee on April 12, with advance voting for the by-election taking place on April 2 and 9, at qSD board office on Ontario Street.
Two candidates are vying to fill the vacant seat: Gretchen Conti and Guy Chartier. Each has extensive experience in the education system.
How does the public know who the best candidate might be to fill the remainder of the four-year term? Both have a webpage that details their experience. To find out more, go to gretchenconti4trustee.ca and guychartier.ca.
Every time there is an election, qathet Teachers' Association (qTA) sponsors a trustee candidate forum, according to qTA president Isabel Loveluck.
"It's a little tricky this time due to the BC Teachers’ Federation AGM and spring break, " said Loveluck.
The candidate forum is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 1, inside the Brooks Secondary School library, from 7 to 8 pm, and it is open to the public. There is a possibility the forum will be live-streamed for those who cannot attend in person.
Loveluck said candidates were sent advance questions and have been asked to respond by Monday, March 31.
"We will be disseminating their responses to our members [and CUPE] and providing paper copies at the forum," explained Loveluck. "At the forum, the candidates will have an opportunity for up to a three-minute statement and this will be followed by questions from the attendees as well as from a bank of questions."
What exactly does a school trustee do?
According to the BC School Trustee Association, trustees are a kind of liaison between the public and the school system, in order for the school system to reflect local priorities, values and strategic goals.
Voting and advance voting is open to all qualified qSD electors, and there is no need to preregister to vote. Voting by mail is also an option.
Advance voting is from 8 am to 8 pm, at qSD board office located at 4351 Ontario Street on April 2 and 9.
Voting day is Saturday, April 12, again at the board office.
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