Read My Responses to a Local Newspaper

1. What are the three most important issues facing students and schools in Abbotsford today, and what would you do about them as a School Trustee?

First, we must meet individual student needs with available resources. Students learn differently, and classrooms need appropriate supports, programming and flexibility to help every student succeed.

Second, we need a prudent approach to smartphones, social media and AI. Schools and families need practical tools to protect learning and development.

Finally, we must strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy while maintaining high expectations for every student. Recent district data show significant declines in literacy and numeracy proficiency. We should also strengthen internationally recognized academic opportunities to provide challenge and prepare students for a competitive global economy.

2. What is one specific change or improvement you would like to see in Abbotsford schools over the next four years, and how would you work to achieve it?

I want to make high schools more relevant by expanding career-connected learning. I would work with district staff to build partnerships with local professionals, businesses and tradespeople who can connect classroom learning to real careers through guest speakers, mentorships, workplace visits and job-shadowing. Students should see how what they learn applies beyond graduation and explore different pathways before making major decisions about their future. I would encourage the district to pilot this approach, measure student participation and feedback, and expand what works. This would help students understand their options and better prepare for post-secondary education, careers and a changing economy.

3. When making difficult decisions about school budgets, programs and resources, what would guide your decisions, and how would you balance the needs of students, families and staff?

My decisions will be guided by a clear, well-articulated strategic plan. During my first term, I helped drive the board’s emphasis on early learning, literacy, and numeracy. Budgets must support these priorities by keeping funding closest to the classroom to directly benefit students, teachers, and parents. As an engineer and business leader, I know how to optimize resources under pressure. I will balance our budget by protecting frontline classroom staff, ensuring families get the educational quality they deserve, and holding the provincial government accountable for funding our district's growth.