Newly re-elected Surrey Board of Education sworn in for 2022-2026 term
Duty Piper Jeff Sim and Surrey RCMP Sgt. Michael Dubyk led Surrey Board of Education trustees into the inaugural meeting on Nov. 9.
It was a full house at the official inauguration of the newly re-elected Surrey Board of Education on Wednesday night, as trustees were sworn in for the new 2022-2026 term.
While the October civic election brought much change to B.C. politics, the Surrey Board of Education remained consistent, with all seven experienced incumbent trustees chosen by voters to serve another four years.
Trustees Terry Allen, Bob Holmes, Laurie Larsen, Garry Thind, Gary Tymoschuk and Shawn Wilson were re-elected by Surrey voters, while Laurae McNally, one of the longest-serving trustees in B.C., was acclaimed in White Rock.
“We are very honoured and appreciative to have had our entire board re-elected for another term, and we will work hard to warrant the trust, confidence and support of our community,” said Larsen.
Student, parent, union and employee group representatives spoke at the Nov. 9 inauguration, welcoming trustees to another term in office. City and school district officials, as well as family and friends of the board, were also in attendance, as was Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Education and Child Care.
Wednesday’s ceremony included a territorial welcome by Kevin Kelly and Michael Kelly-Gabriel from the Kwantlen First Nation, and a welcome song by the Sto:Lo Nation’s River Spirit Drum Group. The Polaris choir from North Surrey Secondary also performed two songs and sang O Canada.
Supt. Mark Pearmain spoke to the critical role trustees play in the district, noting they bring community voice to public education and oversee the needs of our schools and community.
“They are tireless advocates for funding and highlight the importance of equitable access to education for every student in our district,” he said. “With a district of our size, this is no small task and I have no doubt that each of you will continue advocating for our students, staff and community.”
Larsen was also re-elected board chair by her fellow trustees at Wednesday’s meeting, while Tymoschuk was elected vice-chair.
The board oversees approximately 78,000 students of all ages who attend 130 Surrey and White Rock schools, as well as more than 13,000 employees.
Public board meetings are scheduled once a month at 7 p.m. at the District Education Centre (DEC), 14033 92 Ave. Meeting dates, agendas, minutes and videos can be viewed here and live-streaming is available on the day of the meeting. As elected officials, trustees are also available by phone and email. Find their contact information here.
The next public board meeting is Nov. 16.
