Four new school trustees elected as board chair loses re-election bid

Four newcomers — Blaire West, Jessica Morrison, Tracy Green and Candace Knoll — are set to serve as trustees on the Coquitlam school board. Knoll thanked Coquitlam residents for their trust. In a social media post, she wrote that young people are the future and that everyone has a collective responsibility to prepare the next generation to be just, fair and socially responsible citizens. She said she was proud to be a force for good, and a leader, mentor and advocate who would keep pushing for change.

Craig Woods had the strongest showing among candidates in Coquitlam, with 15,763 votes. Voters also supported incumbents Rosey Manhas and Chuck Dennison.

In Port Coquitlam, Blaire West led all trustee candidates with 7,108 votes, while incumbent Christine Pollock received 6,328. Michael Thomas, a three-term incumbent who had served as board chair, was not re-elected. He finished third with 5,459 votes.

Port Moody voters elected community volunteer Tracy Green and Jessica Morrison. Green highlighted the need to expand career, trades and alternative programs. Morrison campaigned on working to ensure the school district received its fair share of tax dollars.

Kerri Palmer Isaak was elected by acclamation in Anmore-Belcarra. Incumbents Carol Brodie and Lisa Park did not seek re-election.