4 candidates are formally within the working for a spot on the College District 58 Board of Training, one other core piece of a busy election season within the Metropolis of Merritt. Throughout the 2018 Civic Elections, three candidates ran unopposed for 3 native spots on the board. This time round, a fourth candidate has contested this election.
The Metropolis of Merritt has three spots on the SD58’s Board of Training, with the remaining made up of 4 trustees from Princeton and rural areas, the district’s Secretary Treasurer and Superintendent, and pupil representatives. The Board of Training meets on a month-to-month foundation, units the price range for the district, creates a strategic plan, and represents college students and group members on training associated points.
Here’s a look on the 4 candidates every aiming for one in all three allotted seats on the board:
Gordon Swan (incumbent)
“Chair of SD58, first elected 1996. At the moment the Operations Supervisor at Canadian Pink Cross BC and Yukon, specializing in Well being in Emergencies (BC Vaccine Program and Ukraine resettlement). Retired for 35 years from senior administration as a Authorities Agent for Merritt, Princeton and Kamloops. Previous President of the BC College Trustees Affiliation.
Firstly, I’m a powerful and passionate chief who can affect the province to make sure rural communities and their kids’s wants are met, and that our kids succeed. I get simply as excited for my grandchildren’s future as I did for my 3 kids, all who attended public faculty in Merritt. Second, to proceed the good work of our SD58 workers, college students, and residents in shifting our strategic plan ahead that was interrupted by COVID, fires, and floods.”
Robert Leech
“My 35 years as a college board administrator properly qualifies me for trustee. I started as an accountant, adopted by Comptroller, Secretary-Treasurer, after which Assistant District Superintendent, administering a $43million price range in Alberta. I’ve been accountable for new faculty building, restructuring transportation, growing a centre for older college students, negotiating with lecturers, help workers, and the provincial governments of Alberta and BC. The college district ought to be a studying group by which each pupil succeeds. I’ve been energetic in the neighborhood as President and Previous President of the Merritt Seniors Centre Affiliation.”
Justin Jepsen
“My title is Justin Jepsen and I used to be born and raised in Merritt. I attended Ok-12 in Merritt and graduated from MSS in 2008. In 2011, after graduating from TRU in Kamloops, I joined the general public service and started my profession working for the Ministry of Transportation. I’ve been in my present place as a Highway Space Supervisor in Merritt since 2015. I’m married and have 3 kids (ages 8, 10, 15) who all attend faculty in SD58. I actively volunteer inside my kids’s faculties, in addition to with Merritt Minor Hockey Affiliation and with Merritt Minor Softball.
I’ve the distinctive perspective of being a former pupil in SD58 who has kids in the identical faculty system. I’m devoted to this group that I grew up in, and can work to make sure that SD58 continues to offer a secure and welcoming studying surroundings for every pupil. I sit up for representing the members of this group and positively impacting the best way that we educate our kids.”
John Chenoweth, PhD (incumbent)
“My title is John Chenoweth, VP Tutorial at NVIT, and member of the Higher Nicola Indian Band.
Having served my first time period as a trustee, I’m wanting ahead to serving our communities and faculty district, ought to I be lucky sufficient to be re-elected. I really feel that my earlier expertise in each the Ok-12 and post-secondary ranges affords me the data and consciousness to totally help this faculty district in shifting our college students ahead with each alternative to steer fulfilling and wholesome lives. Management for myself is servitude, which equates to figuring out how greatest to help the individuals who work for us in a approach that has the best affect on pupil development, be that educational, social, emotional, and thru private id.”
The municipal election will happen on October 15, and can see Merrittonians elect one Mayor, six Councillors, and three trustees to a 4 12 months time period. This is part of a sequence of election protection the Herald will provide this 12 months, together with upcoming interviews on related matters, Q&As, and extra. To observe the Herald’s election protection, go to merrittherald.com/class/civic-elections-2022.
