Tracy Hughes
Black Press
Exactly how many vacancies there will be on the North Okanagan-Shuswap School District board for the upcoming November municipal elections remains unknown, although it is certain there will be a vote in the North Shuswap area.
Current trustee Holly Overgaard has decided against running for re-election and is the only trustee so far to come out with a definite no.
Michel Saab is on the other end of the pendulum, declaring himself as a confirmed candidate for one of two Salmon Arm seats at the table, while Falkland trustee Debbie Evans says, “I am 95 per cent sure I will be running for re-election in the upcoming municipal election.”
Armstrong-Spallumcheen representative Laurie Myers is also a yes, although she does leave room for changing her mind.
“It’s a yes for now. As far as I know I am going to run,” she said, noting the switch to a four-year term means candidates must even more carefully consider their commitment.
Chris Coers, Enderby trustee, is also leaning towards running.
“At this point my answer is yes,” she said.
“It is harder work than many people realize, and it’s a big commitment,” she added, noting the education system is chronically underfunded, as the trustees are heading into budget deliberations needing to cut $1.8 million.
Undecided still seems to be the mindset for a number of trustees including longtime Salmon Arm representative Bobbi Johnson, Sicamous/Malakwa trustee Barry Chafe, Carlin-Sorrento trustee Jenn Wilchuk and Armstrong-Spallumcheen veteran trustee Bob Fowler, who has served on the board for 21 years.
