Less than two days after a seat officially opened up on the Chilliwack School Board, someone has already announced their candidacy for the position.
Biologist and science communicator, Carin Bondar, made the announcement Thursday (Nov. 26) morning that she will be running in the upcoming byelection to replace outgoing school trustee Dan Coulter.
Bondar is the first person to put her name in to replace Coulter.
“I believe I have the experience and passion to contribute to the work of the Chilliwack School District,” Bondar said in a statement.
Bondar is a noted advocate for science literacy, STEM education (science, technology, engineering and math) and representation of minority groups. She said she is eager to join the school board to promote inclusivity, science literacy and diverse learning styles.
“I am excited by the prospect of pursuing local education priorities while advocating for diverse learning styles and allowing for individuals to thrive.”
The seat on school board was made vacant after Coulter won his NDP seat in the Oct. 24 provincial election in the riding of Chilliwack.
READ MORE: NDP’s Dan Coulter elected in Chilliwack riding
Coulter, who was also the board chair, officially stepped down from the Chilliwack School Board on Tuesday, Nov. 24 when his statement was read aloud at the end of the school board meeting.
READ MORE: Chilliwack school trustee officially steps down to assume MLA role
The byelection for school trustee will likely take place in or around February.
“I am excited for the opportunity to bring cohesion to the Chilliwack School Board and refocus attention on the diverse student body and their experiences in our district,” Bondar said. “In diversity, there is strength and compassion; as such, I proudly support moving forward in the best interests of our community and school district including students, parents, teachers and all other school districts staff.”
A mother to four children in the Chilliwack School District, Bondar was born and raised in Maple Ridge and moved to Chilliwack in 2005. She is an accomplished educator, most recently in the position of science communicator and adjunct biology professor at the University of the Fraser Valley. Her charity, STEM angels, is a fully registered Canadian charity that provides childcare dollars to females in pursuit of professorship positions at Canadian universities.
ALSO READ: Chilliwack scientist shocked to hear climate change denial from some school trustees
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