Editor:
I am responding to Brad Sherwin’s “Community Comment: Time to think about running this October” from the Delta Optimist’s May 13th edition.
A couple lines struck me in particular: “School board is almost a last-minute decision. I think I dropped off my paperwork the day before the deadline, if not on deadline day.” I was troubled when I read this, mostly by the idea that running for school trustee requires little prep or thought. I think we need better commitment than that.
Certainly, Brad is being cheeky, I thought to myself. And yes, Brad does go on to add that “…you should make sure you’re running for the right reasons.” Agreed! If you know someone who cares about public education and wants better for our community, encourage them to run for office.
Municipal elections are Oct. 15 and the Delta Teachers’ Association’s Political Action Committee will be doing work to engage with school trustee candidates.
What do Delta’s educators, students and community need?
At the very least, better funding for B.C.’s education system—currently among the lowest per student funding in Canada! And we need trustees who are prepared to fight for quality public education. Our students, educators and community deserve nothing less.
Susan Yao
President/Delta Teachers’ Association
