You might think that after 24 years of serving families as a school trustee, my attention might wander to other activities. But nothing could be further from the truth! I appreciate the city of Abbotsford, I love children, and I have devoted my life in one way or another to education.

I was first elected in 1983 to what was in many ways a narrowly-focused school board of a rather ho-hum school district. Yes, there were some good things happening back then, but trustees were too often preoccupied with micro-managing the system, keeping educators under their thumb, and saving money. Strategic planning amounted to how to get Abbotsford's results up to the provincial average.

But as more and more quality people were elected as trustees, and as educators were trusted as professionals to be responsible, self-directing, and creative, wonderful things began to happen--innovation, choice, and achievement became key words in describing the characteristics of our district. Perhaps the culmination came in 2005 when W.J.Mouat was chosen by Maclean's as one of the 10 best secondary schools in Canada, the only one from BC. Unfortunately, in recent years, the district has hit a wall. Momentum has been lost. Good people have left. I believe this must change!