Abbotsford DPAC School Trustee Election 2026: All-Candidates Meeting

Watch the Abbotsford DPAC All-Candidates Meeting held on Thursday, October 1, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Abbotsford Arts Centre. This was an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates running for school trustee in the October 17 municipal election. Learn about their priorities, hear their perspectives, and listen to answers to the questions submitted by our Abbotsford community.

0:10:00 OPENING STATEMENTS

0:32:44 QUESTION 1 - DISABILITY SUPPORTS AND ACCOUNTABILITY: When students are not consistently receiving the supports identified in their Individual Education Plans (IEPs), what specific actions would you take as a trustee to improve accountability and ensure their needs are met? How would you prioritize additional educational assistants, specialized staff, and mental health resources when balancing competing district funding priorities?

0:49:16 QUESTION 2 - SCHOOL SAFETY: Parents and educators have raised concerns about bullying, violence, and increasingly complex classroom behaviours. What board-level action would you prioritize to improve safety for students and staff? How would you ensure that discipline policies recognize trauma, disability, and unmet support needs while maintaining safety for other students and staff?

1:04:40 QUESTION 3 - TEACHER SHORTAGES AND RECRUITMENT: Parents and educators have raised concerns about teacher shortages and the use of uncertified teachers. What would you prioritize at the board level to improve recruitment, retention, and access to qualified educators?

1:19:08 QUESTION 4 - PARENT ENGAGEMENT AND TRANSPARENCY: Parents have expressed concerns that important decisions are sometimes made before their voices are heard. How would you ensure meaningful parent consultation and greater transparency in board decisions?

1:34:27 QUESTION 5 - SAFE AND INCLUSIVE SCHOOLS: What board-level actions would you support to ensure safe and inclusive schools for all students, including those with disabilities, Indigenous students, and LGBTQ2S+ students?

1:49:12 CLOSING STATEMENTS

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/p003w5u7FUM?si=VNcVpGzkkvQ3HZfO