Abbotsford School Trustee Candidates Face Tough Questions at Meeting

Three candidates vying for a position on the Abbotsford School District board participated in an all-candidates meeting held at the Abbotsford Arts Centre on September 18, 2023. The event, organized by the District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC), aimed to provide voters with insights into the candidates’ platforms and priorities ahead of the byelection scheduled for October 11, 2023.

Although the meeting lasted 90 minutes and included 21 questions, no candidate emerged as a clear standout. The three participants, Tanya Coghill, Arsh Kaler, and Benjamin Mehrer, echoed similar sentiments in response to community-submitted questions. Candidate Graeme Hutchison was unable to attend due to prior commitments.

Key Issues Addressed

The meeting commenced with introductory remarks from each candidate, followed by a series of rapid-fire questions. The first question focused on how candidates would engage families in shaping significant decisions. All three emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between parents and educational staff.

District bussing was another prominent topic. Both Kaler and Mehrer advocated for increased provincial funding, while Coghill suggested exploring a user-paid system to alleviate financial pressures.

Safety concerns at Abbotsford Traditional School, particularly in light of a proposed supportive housing project nearby, prompted cautious responses from the candidates. Coghill noted a lack of transparency regarding the project and encouraged concerned community members to reach out to their representatives. Kaler and Mehrer expressed sympathy for families affected and highlighted the need for collaboration with the Abbotsford Police Department to ensure student safety.

Education Budget Priorities

Candidates were also asked about which educational programs they would prioritize in budget discussions. Kaler stated, “I will always make sure that every dollar is spent in favor of children,” while Mehrer emphasized the importance of ensuring that investments yield positive returns for the community. Coghill pointed to the district’s strategic plan, stating that literacy and numeracy should be prioritized, although she acknowledged that some exploratory classes might face cuts.

Responses regarding mental health access in schools were similarly aligned, with all candidates expressing support for mental health programs and the need for inclusivity for all students, including those identifying as LGBTQ+ or with disabilities.

When questioned about managing conflicts within the board—especially following recent tensions involving trustees Mike Rauch and Jared White—the candidates highlighted the necessity of collaboration. “Disagreements can happen, but trustees must work together to benefit students,” Mehrer stated, echoing sentiments shared by the others.

Discussion also turned to recreational facilities in Abbotsford. Candidates acknowledged that the city lags in field availability and expressed optimism about future developments, including a proposed sports and recreation park.

The meeting concluded with closing statements from the candidates and a summary of Hutchison’s points by DPAC president Winsome Rauch.

This byelection was necessitated by the provincial Eligibility to Hold Public Office Act, passed in May 2023, which disallows elected officials from serving in multiple local offices. This law forced the resignation of Korky Neufeld, who had won the Abbotsford West riding in the previous provincial election.

Advance voting for the byelection will take place on October 1 and October 4, with general voting set for October 11. Polls will be open from 08:00 to 20:00 on all voting days, allowing community members ample opportunity to participate in this important local election.