Maple Ridge school trustee candidate calls for reliable busing and safe pedestrian networks

Maple Ridge resident Deepa Bissessur is running for school trustee, advocating for reliable busing, secure pedestrian networks and protected travel corridors to help children travel safely to and from school.

Bissessur said her platform includes stronger social-emotional learning, inclusive classroom supports and accessible mental-health resources integrated into the daily school environment. She said these measures would help students feel safe and valued, manage stress and build resilience.

The candidate said practical strategies, transparent governance and collaborative leadership are needed to meet those goals. She also wants clear channels between the school board, families and educators so that parent and teacher voices help shape local decisions.

Bissessur, a multilingual parent fluent in French whose children are in both elementary and secondary school, said she is deeply invested in the future of public education in Maple Ridge. More information about her platform is available at https://deepabissessur.my.canva.site/. Municipal elections are Saturday, Oct. 17.