Three parents who have been involved in Save Cedar Schools have put their names forward as school trustee candidates in the upcoming municipal election.
Stephanie Higginson, Scott Kimler and Steve Rae submitted their nomination papers for the position of school trustee for School District 68 (SD68) on Oct. 1.
For the past 18 months, Higginson, Kimler and Rae have been working long and hard for positive change in public education in SD68 through their involvement in Save Cedar Schools.
“We became engaged with SD68 in order to get answers to questions about the 10-Year Facility Plan," Higginson said in a press release. "While pressing for answers, we saw the dysfunction that exists on the board. While we know our opponents will try to paint us as one-issue candidates, for the three of us, it's no longer just about facilities in our own area. We are seeking trustee seats to fix what's broken across the district and to make positive change for ALL students."
Rae adds: “Throughout the course of the past year, we have become aware of a number of areas within our school district in which we feel a lack of strong and accountable leadership has resulted in poor decisions.”
“Due to our experiences over this past year fighting for our community and with the knowledge we gained during that battle, we see the need for positive change in SD68, and we want to help lead the charge,” stated Kimler, who lives in Ladysmith.
The three candidates are running on a platform of meaningful stakeholder engagement, democratic reform and student-centred fiscal responsibility.
Higginson is a former high school teacher with an MA in Education Studies.
"She brings an unprecedented passion for public education, combined with the experience and education necessary to provide strong leadership at the board table," states the press release.
Kimler is a retired geoscientist with an MS in Geophysics and more than 20 years’ experience in the petroleum industry.
"Kimler taught classes at Penn State University, and as an active volunteer fire-fighter and scientist, he has excellent teamwork and critical thinking skills," according to the press release.
Rae is a Canadian Regional Sales Manager for Navico and is currently serving as the Area A alternate director in the Regional District of Nanaimo.
"He brings his much-needed business background and experience in local government to the table," states the press release. "His passion and ability to build strong relationships will also help to repair the damage that exists on the board today."
All three candidates have children currently enrolled in SD68 schools, which provides them with first-hand perspective lacking on today’s board.
"We all bring different experience and knowledge to the table that, when working as a team, will make positive change for children across SD68," said Higginson. "We will put ‘trust’ back in trustee.”
Kimler reminds people to vote on Nov. 15.
"You can vote for up to nine people for school trustee. But you don’t have to vote for nine, you can just vote for the people you think will do a good job," he said. "But definitely remember to vote."