With new mayors in Sechelt and Gibsons and an entirely new Sunshine Coast Regional District board, last weekend’s civic elections has brought significant turnover to Coast governments. That extends to School District No. 46 (SD46), which will see six of its seven Board of Education trustee positions filled by rookies.
A handful of candidates withdrew their nominations, which left the Lower Coast, comprising SCRD Areas D, E and F and the Town of Gibsons, with the only race.
Sue Girard was elected with the most votes (2,455), followed by Stacia Leech with 2,210 and incumbent Pammila Ruth with 2,207. Left off the roster was Charlene Penner, who received 1,799 votes.
In Area 1, comprising Pender Harbour, Halfmoon Bay and Sechelt Indian Government District (SIGD) band lands, Samantha Haines was elected by acclamation, as were Amanda Amaral, Maria Hampvent and Tonya Ste. Marie for Area 2, Central Coast, which includes the District of Sechelt and SIGD band lands.
Girard, who lives in Langdale, said winning with the most votes was a “pleasant surprise,” and said she had lots of support in Gibsons, where she had worked as the manager of the visitor centre for five years. She attributed her success to her boots-on-the-ground campaign style, which included attending all-candidates meetings and meet-and-greets. “I worked really hard, got myself out there in every community area, including Gambier and Keats,” Girard said. “I spoke to our elders, I ran a really strong social media campaign, I blasted myself out there.”
Pammila Ruth, meanwhile, will be the only incumbent trustee, a twist from the last election, when she was elected by acclamation and was the Board of Education’s only rookie. “It’s bringing me into this new term with a lot more confidence,” Ruth said. “It was very validating. I was able to explain what I have done and explain what I want to do and I found I had a much better footing.”
As the board’s only incumbent, she said she is looking forward to getting the new trustees up to speed at orientation. Trustees will be participating in various committees, such as the SCRD’s transportation and policing committee, parent advisory committees throughout the Lower Coast, and provincial organizations such as the BC School Trustee Association and BC Public School Employers’ Association, which will be particularly important as trustees gear up to participate in union negotiations in the spring. Ruth also noted changeover among trustees was high across the province.
Once committees and orientation are sorted, Ruth will be focused on the strategic plan. “We have to roll up our sleeves and get working,” she said, “That’s my biggest priority, was hearing the student voice, the parent voice, the community voice and really meaning it.”
Roberts Creek’s Stacia Leech is also new to the board. Following the election she told Coast Reporter, “I’m honoured by the confidence and trust people have shown by voting for me.” She attributed her success to her background in education, including as executive director for Roberts Creek Community School Society. “I have been blessed by deep, trusting relationships with teachers, custodians, education assistants, principals, maintenance staff and parents,” Leech said.
While more women than men have served as trustees since at least 2011, this board is entirely made up of women.
The inaugural meeting of the newly elected board will be Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. at the school board office in Gibsons.
