Six candidates are running for two Port Coquitlam school board seats this October

Six candidates are seeking two trustee seats for Port Coquitlam on the nine-member school board this October. Coquitlam voters will elect four trustees, Port Moody voters will elect two, and Anmore and Belcarra voters will jointly elect one.

Andrea Chambers, a longtime Port Coquitlam resident and mother of two children who attended School District 43, said in a campaign video that she wants the district to focus on basics such as learning, critical thinking, responsibility, communication, resilience and practical life skills. She pledged to work collaboratively with the board and listen to students, families, educators and the community.

Sadie Harber, a working mother of two young daughters, has volunteered with Port Coquitlam Children’s Services and served on the board of a non-profit organization. She pledged to advocate for expanding meaningful programs across School District 43 so more children and youth in the public school system can access programs and opportunities that help them thrive. She also stressed that teachers need the materials and resources required for their work. In her campaign announcement, she said she believes in showing up, listening and working collaboratively to find solutions that benefit students, families and the educators who support them every day.

Incumbent Christine Pollock is running to continue the board’s work. Her priorities include hiring the best teachers, education assistants, counsellors, youth workers and other support staff, as well as continuing truth and reconciliation work in the curriculum. She also wants to work cohesively with district staff, superintendents and board members, and ensure the needs of students with diverse learning styles or challenges are met. Pollock chairs the board’s education foundation, which provides grants to underfunded programs.

Julie Sherwood is also running for Port Coquitlam city council. She described a vision of the city as an inclusive, diverse and welcoming community. A bookkeeper, Sherwood said her experience working with government organizations gave her practical experience with budgets, licensing, regulations, employees, financial management and advocating for a business to succeed. She has also spoken about the benefits of connecting generations, such as high school students talking with seniors. “These aren’t just volunteer hours,” she said. “They are opportunities to build community.”

School board chair Michael Thomas is seeking re-election after three terms. His campaign announcement said he helped guide the district through significant growth, including rebuilding several schools and nearly tripling the number of education assistants. Thomas said he was particularly proud of navigating provincial resistance and helping secure funding to rebuild Hazel Trembath. A father of three, Thomas works in technology and volunteers. He said serving the community as a school trustee has been an honour and that, despite significant progress over the years, important work remains.

Former education assistant Blaire West, a mother of two, announced her candidacy to help ensure students have opportunities to succeed. She wants schools to be places where children feel safe and supported, students who need extra help can get it, and every child can discover their passion and pursue their potential. West said her experience as an education assistant gave her an appreciation for teachers and school staff. She said every decision should come back to one simple question: “Is this making things better for our kids?”