JUDY SHIRRA
Age: 50+
Occupation: administrator with RGS Consulting International Inc.
Number of years lived in PoCo: 19
No. of terms as trustee: 3
Why are you running?
I want to see a replacement school for Minnekhada middle school built as soon as possible. I am working to have ACE, our district's partnered courses with industry, expanded into Port Coquitlam. I want to see more services for students at risk implemented in our Port Coquitlam schools.
Public education is rapidly changing and at the Coquitlam board of education, we have initiated a process with partner groups to gather input regarding our Learning Without Boundaries initiative. I want to see this change through to a successful conclusion.
I want to ensure that the Community Link funding formula is restructured so that the money is directed to programs and support for our vulnerable students.
As your school trustee, I am constantly in our schools and working with administration and staff to secure extra funding to help the disadvantaged and disenfranchised of our community.
What qualifications do you have that would make you a good school trustee?
I have been involved with public education as a parent advocate and community resource since 1992. I was involved in the For Our Children district roundtable discussion and through its implementation. This initiative saw a change to smaller elementary schools (K-5), the addition of middle schools (6-8) and expanding our secondary schools (9-12) so that students would spend four years together in high school. This change was very successful.
During my three terms on the board, we have been successful in keeping the money in the classrooms to support student needs.
The parents of our community know that they can count on me to support them in resolving issues and advocating for their children's needs.
The Neighbourhoods of Learning program that we are expanding into the new replacement schools of James Park elementary and Pitt River middle will be a showcase for all of B.C.
BOB LEE
Age: 52
Occupation: paramedic, emergency medical dispatcher
Community involvement: Present activities include being a member of the May Day Task Force, a member of the Canada Day Take Force, a Dancing With Our Stars participant, a registration co-ordinator with the Terry Fox Foundation, chair for the Tri-City Gymnastics Society, fundraiser for the Cops for Cancer Canadian Cancer Society event, parent advisory council member with Kwayhquitlum middle school and co-ordinator for McHappy Day.
Number of years lived in city: 23
Why are you running?
I want to ensure funding, develop and enhance school programs which will allow students to reach their full potential to become our future leaders and become inspiring and creative geniuses of the future.
What qualifications do you have that would make you a good school trustee?
I have leadership skills: Led the building of a $90,000 playground. Involved in the parent advisory council in various roles at the elementary and middle school. I have a passion for schools and I have the ability to look at problems from all aspects and be a creative problem solver, which has allowed me to complete projects and find solutions.
JOHN KERYLUK
Age: did not answer
Occupation: retired
Number of years lived in city: 30+
Number of terms as trustee: 4
Why are you running?
With my experience, I am committed to work to solve our children's problems as well as those of the teachers.
The teachers' strike must be settled quickly before it impacts the classrooms. Coquitlam school district has the lowest per-student grant in the province.
Education Minister George Abbott is a reasonable man and hopefully I will be able to assist in convincing him to direct more funding into the schools in the Coquitlam district.
What qualifications do you have that would make you a good school trustee?
As a retired educator, I have an understanding of the needs of the children. Having served as city councillor helps me to understand and work with parents and support groups.
