Abbotsford All-Candidates Meeting for School Trustee By-Election

Hosted by DPAC

September 18, 2025 at the Abbotsford Arts Centre

All-Candidates Meeting: School Trustee By-Election

Parents, caregivers, staff, and community members were invited to attend an all-candidates meeting for the upcoming school trustee by-election. This was an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates, learn about their priorities, and ask questions about issues that matter to students and families in our district.

All candidates running for Abbotsford school trustee in the October 11 by-election were invited to participate. Please note that DPAC does not endorse any candidate.

The Abbotsford DPAC invited questions from the public and we have received many. Similar questions were been combined, and due to time limits, not all were asked. Candidates have not received these questions in advance.

Each candidate began with a three-minute opening statement to introduce themselves or share their priorities. We then moved to our prepared questions, with each candidate given up to 90 seconds to respond. After all questions are complete, each candidate had two minutes for a closing statement.

0:00:00 Intro

0:02:34 Opening Statement

0:14:40 Parents often feel that decisions are made before their voices are heard. How would you ensure families have a meaningful role in shaping big decisions, before they’re finalized?

0:18:12 What are your thoughts on district bussing, given that many families see it as essential for access, but it isn’t provincially funded and takes a large share of the district budget?

0:21:07 With a Safe Consumption Site planned across from Abbotsford Traditional School, how will you keep students safe and make sure parents’ concerns are heard?

0:24:45 School budgets are tight. What guides your decisions on where to spend or cut? Is there one area you’d always protect for students, and why?

0:27:36 With mental health being at the forefront of concerns for families, how do you believe schools should best support students’ mental health needs?

0:31:15 Some schools have fewer resources and opportunites than others. How would you make sure all kids get equal access to programs, supports, and activities?

0:35:01 Current literacy and math scores concern many parents. What would you do to improve them, and how would you track progress?

0:38:15 Academic Programs like Advanced Placement, Honours Classes, and the International Baccalaureate Programme have been removed or reduced from local schools and can be difficult to access depending on catchment. Do you support this as a prudent change in approach, or do you see it as a loss of opportunities?

0:41:23 Abbotsford lacks recreation spaces, and there’s been conflict between the City and School District about sharing facilities. How would you improve cooperation so students and the community can use fields and gyms more? 

0:44:43 Many high school PE teachers say students come in with poor fitness skills since PE teachers have been disappearing from elementary schools and no longer exist in our public middle schools. How would you make sure physical activity is a priority at all grade levels?

0:47:35 Newcomer families, especially with teens, often get little English language support. What should the district do differently to help them succeed?

0:51:06 How will you make sure schools are safe for all students, including LGBTQ2S+ and other marginalized groups?

0:53:18 How would you ensure schools have safe and practical spaces for gender-diverse students — like bathrooms and change rooms?

0:56:22 How would you support teachers so they can do their job based on evidence and public values, without fearing backlash?

0:58:27 School board members often disagree. How would you handle conflict with other trustees while staying professional?

1:01:24 Teacher shortages hurt students. What would you do to help fix this problem?

1:04:43 How would you make school buildings and spaces more accessible for students with physical disabilities?

1:07:33 Abbotsford is known for a fairly traditional education system. What’s your view on alternative options like nature schools, arts and tech programs, inquiry-based learning, or online learning?

1:10:48 How would you work with the City to make the areas around schools safer for walking, biking, and driving?

1:14:08 How would you better support students with disabilities or special designations in Abbotsford schools?

1:17:59 How can schools keep up with today’s fast-changing online world and prepare students with the tech skills they’ll need?

1:21:51 Closing Statements

All Candidates Meeting – School Trustee Bi-Election 

📅 Thursday, Sept 18, 2025 | 🕖 7:00 pm 

Meeting Commenced: 7:00 pm 

Opening Statements 

Arsh K. 

• Thanked DPAC for hosting. 

• Proud to run in the bi-election. Believes leadership is about service. 

• Secretary of the Fraser Valley Business Foundation; recipient of a community service scholarship. 

• Experience on the Business Innovation and Public Affairs Committee, student panel at UFV, faculty welcome team, and Entrepreneur of the Year. 

• Strong background in non-profit, business, education, and community service. 

• Advocates for accessible programs, mental health support, and safe schools. 

• Life’s work is rooted in service. 

Tanya C. 

• Happy to see everyone. 

• Mom of two; began involvement in 2007 when her son started kindergarten. 

• Serves with joy and passion at all levels. 

• Wants all students to feel welcomed and safe. 

• Supports social-emotional learning and strong parent partnerships. 

Graham W. 

• Winsome read / delivered opening statement. 

Ben S. 

• Thanked attendees. 

• Born and raised in Abbotsford; fifth-generation resident. 

• Holds a Bachelor’s degree from UFV. 

• Believes all students should have access to opportunities. 

• 11 years at McDonald’s, now in people leadership, focusing on inclusion and development. 

• Advocates for inclusive hiring. 

• Campaign slogan: “Every student, every voice, every opportunity.” 

• Trustees must collaborate, ask tough questions, and put students first. 

• Doesn’t claim to have all the answers, but commits to listening. 

Question 1: How will you engage parents and families? 

Tanya C. – In 2025, we have many tools: online surveys, focus groups, direct communication with trustees. I want to build open dialogue, be approachable, and act as the “boots on the ground.” Arsh K. – Parents are busy, but they need to be involved in their children’s education. Trustees should be present at PACs, encourage participation, and be available by email or in person. Ben S. – Parent voices are essential. Use surveys and conversations and make trustees accessible for meaningful engagement. 

Question 2: Bussing and Transportation 

Arsh K. – Bussing is very important. Services must be expanded, and I would advocate strongly with the provincial government. Ben S. – I used the city bus in Grade 10 because it was the same cost as the school bus. The provincial government needs to step up and provide support. Tanya C. – This has been a longstanding issue, not just about buses but about having quality staff and enough drivers. Busing may need to be subsidized as a user-pay service, but costs should be covered by users. 

Question 3: Safe Consumption Site Near a School 

Tanya C. – This is a hot topic. At the July 14 meeting, not all information was shared; transparency is needed. PACs and petitions are underway. Local MLAs have announced a safe injection site. Please reach out—your voices matter. Ben S. – We need to support vulnerable people, but location matters. A safe consumption site across from a school isn’t appropriate. We must work with APD and find a better option. Arsh K. – The location is too close to a school. We need APD and liaison officers to ensure safety and keep school areas secure. 

Question 4: Extracurricular Programs & Spending Priorities 

Arsh K. – A busy mind is a healthy mind. Sports and activities like soccer and basketball keep kids engaged. Every dollar spent on children is worthwhile. Ben S. – Students should learn, have fun, and be with friends. Investments must directly impact student success. Every penny must benefit the next generation. Tanya C. – Decisions should follow the district’s strategic plan and core competencies. Literacy and numeracy must be protected. If cuts are needed, exploration classes should be reduced first. 

Question 5: Mental Health Support 

Ben S. – Mental health is a priority. Programs like Foundry and school counsellors are available. Students must feel safe, seen, and supported, and know how to access help. Tanya C. – Every student should feel safe physically and emotionally. Support must be stigma-free. Mental Health Week at secondary schools helps raise awareness. Arsh K. – The district has professionals to help, and community partners can provide grief response and other supports to balance academics and wellness. 

Question 6: Parent Involvement in Schools 

Tanya C. – Parents should ask questions and volunteer. I’ve served for 19 years. Programs like PM Benchmark are valuable, but not all schools have them. We should share resources across schools. Ben S. – Parent involvement differs between schools. Some families struggle to participate. At the district level, we need to identify gaps and support schools equitably. Arsh K. – Arsh taught, dhol (drum) and Bhangra (Indian dance).  Collaboration strengthens school communities. 

Question 7: Tracking Academic Progress 

Arsh K. – Teachers are professionals and track student progress through grading, report cards, and strategic plans that measure outcomes. Ben S. – Literacy and math rates often decline when students struggle with wellness. The board must identify barriers and trends by engaging stakeholders. Tanya C. – Literacy and numeracy are core priorities. Graduation rates and FSAs provide useful data, even if unpopular. Innovation and new programs should also be explored. 

Question 8: Advanced Placement & Enrichment Programs 

Tanya C. – I strongly support enrichment programs. Removing honors or AP programs doesn’t serve students. These programs produce excellent outcomes. Ben S. – AP/IB programs should be accessible, even if centralized at certain schools. Students must have the opportunity if interested. Arsh K. – I took AP myself and learned a lot. These programs should remain available so all students can access advanced opportunities. 

Question 9: Community Recreation & School Partnerships 

Arsh K. – Parents want more soccer fields and recreation centers. The district should advocate for city partnerships. Tanya C. – A new field naming ceremony is coming up. Encouraged by growing dialogue between city council and the school board. Supports shared use of city spaces. Ben S. – Our fast-growing community needs more recreation facilities. We must work with city council and the school district to expand access. 

Question 10: PE Teachers in Schools 

Tanya C. – Students lose out when classroom teachers are responsible for PE. Dedicated PE teachers should be reinstated. Ben S. – Physical health is essential. We should bring PE back into elementary and middle schools. Arsh K. – PE supports both physical and mental health. Professional PE teachers provide structure and passion—we need them back. 

Question 11: Support for ESL Students 

Tanya C. – Students should receive English classes before being fully placed in the system. Partnerships with the province and city are needed. Arsh K. – ESL teachers are invaluable. As a former ESL student myself, I know their support helps polish language skills. Ben S. – The district is diverse. We must connect families, provide extracurricular supports, and use translation services. Connecting families across the district is key. 

Question 12: Bullying & Student Safety 

Arsh K. – Trustees represent all students. We must support every child’s needs. Ben S. – All students deserve to feel safe, seen, and supported. Resources must be in place to reduce bullying and promote mental health. Tanya C. – My mandate has always been that every student feels welcome and accepted. We must model respectful, non-bullying behavior at all levels. 

Question 13: Gender-Diverse Washrooms & Change Rooms 

Ben S. – Facilities must be private but accessible. Gender-diverse students need safe, appropriate spaces. Tanya C. – All 46 sites have safe spaces, but more work is needed. Self-contained spaces are the best solution. Arsh K. – Most schools already have at least one universal washroom. This should continue. 

Question 14: Curriculum & Teacher Autonomy 

Arsh K. – Teachers are trained professionals. We must respect their expertise. Ben S. – Curriculum comes from the ministry. Teachers deliver outcomes tied to core competencies. Tanya C. – Teachers have autonomy in how they teach the curriculum provided. Parents should communicate concerns directly with teachers or administrators. 

Question 15: Navigating Division & Conflict 

Ben S. – Politics is divisive, but decisions must focus on students. We need to have hard conversations, guided by evidence. Tanya C. – Working with parent groups can feel like herding cats. We must modulate behavior, be respectful, and sometimes compromise for the greater good. Arsh K. – Disagreements happen, but we must remain respectful and put students’ interests first. 

Question 16: Teacher Shortages & Retention 

Arsh K. – We must advocate to the province for more funding as the population grows. Tanya C. – It’s not just funding—it’s about attraction. A positive district culture helps recruit and retain teachers. Ben S. – Many teachers live in Abbotsford but work in nearby districts with better opportunities. It’s about both funding and culture. 

Question 17: Accessibility in Schools 

Tanya C. – Facilities need upgrades like automatic doors and ramps. These should be included in all future renovations. Ben S. – Students with diverse abilities must be supported. Accessibility should be addressed in the district’s long-term planning. Arsh K. – Many schools already have elevators, support staff, and automatic doors. Older buildings are being upgraded for accessibility. 

Question 18: School Choice & Alternative Programs 

Arsh K. – Families should have options in how children are educated. Ben S. – I benefited from alternative education myself (ASIA and Bakerview). Options must exist for all learning styles. Tanya C. – Supports a variety of options if families support them. Students thrive when given choices. 

Question 19: Community Safety for Students 

Tanya C. – Safety requires collaboration with police, bus systems, and community watch. Lighting and clear pathways are important. Build community spirit. Ben S. – Work with the city to improve lighting and winter safety so students can travel safely. Arsh K. – Rely on police and cameras. Ensure snow clearing contracts prioritize safe, accessible areas. 

Question 20: Supports for Students with Special Needs 

Arsh K. – Every student matters. Resources must be in place to meet their needs. Tanya C. – Early diagnosis is critical. Elementary teachers must advocate so students qualify for funding and support. Ben S. – Supports could include EAs, outside agencies, or connecting families to resources. We must find faster ways to get students the help they need. 

Question 21 (Added at Meeting): Technology & AI in Schools 

Arsh K. – AI is powerful but requires proper education. It can be a helpful tool but also dangerous if misused. Ben S. – AI is a double-edged sword. We must ensure responsible use while addressing impacts on mental health. Tanya C. – Strongly supports keeping cell phones out of classrooms. AI is exciting, but students must be taught to use it responsibly. 

Closing Statements 

Tanya C. – Thanked attendees. Humbled to be recognized as a Hero in Education. Committed to being a calm, thoughtful, and kind voice. Running to invest in kids and families—not as a political stepping stone. Intentional about serving. 

Ben S. – Thanked attendees. Believes all students deserve the tools they need. Brings a decade of professional leadership. Makes tough decisions guided by values, not politics. Committed to ensuring “every student, every voice, every opportunity.” 

Graham W. – Winsome Read closing statement. 

Arsh K. – Believes in being a bridge and taking action, not just talking about change. Will advocate for safe schools and a strong future for Abbotsford families.