Seven candidates are running for three available seats in the School District 47 school trustee byelection. Nominations closed on March 19 at 4 pm.
Chief election officer Cathy Greiner announced that Brendan Behan, Tabatha Berggren, Rick Craig, Serena Gill, Rob Hill, Rob Hughes and Jaclyn Miller are seeking office as trustees. Greiner said it appears there is lots of interest from people seeking the office.
The three seats became available after the death of trustee Jackie Timothy earlier this year, and resignations of trustees Aaron Reid and Russell Brewer. In her letter of resignation, Reid stated the recent passing of Timothy has helped her reflect on what is best for her, her family and business. Brewer, in his letter of resignation, stated he is passionate about public education, but believed the coming byelection affords an opportunity for others in the community who may be equally passionate about public education to participate and contribute as a trustee for the community.
Greiner said there would be a declaration on March 22 at 4 pm and the list of candidates would become official, because there is a challenge period.
“Declaration of nominations was made on March 19 and then there is a period where people can be challenged, which ends at 4 pm on March 22,” said Greiner. “At that point, everything will move forward. I don’t anticipate any challenges.”
The trustee byelection will be held on April 24, with polls open from 8 am to 8 pm. Polling stations will be located at Kelly Creek Community School, Westview Elementary School and James Thomson Elementary School. There will also be advanced voting on April 14 and 21 at the school board office.
Greiner said voters will be encouraged to vote by mail. She said the school district received a special ministerial order to allow everybody to vote by mail if they wish.
“Hopefully, we get a lot of mail-in requests and that will help our numbers,” said Greiner. “Some people are nervous about going out in public to vote.”
Information on mail-in ballots will be distributed in an advertisement in Peak Midweek. Voters will either be able to phone Greiner, there’s a fax number and email address, and the ad details information voters have to provide to receive a ballot. Information will also be posted on the School District 47 website at sd47.bc.ca.
Anyone who has questions about the process can contact Greiner at 604.485.7744, or [email protected].
