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Lythe to seek third term as school trustee

Vernon-Jarvis, Westerholm to step aside
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Public trust SD48 school trustee Rachael Lythe will seek a third term this fall, while Chris Vernon-Jarvis and Patricia Westerholm will not seek re-election. File photo

Sea to Sky School District (SD48) trustee Rachael Lythe will seek a third term.

When she first took on the role in 2011, it was at the beginning of a major shift for education in the province, with the Ministry of Education rolling out a new education plan, Lythe said in an email.

"I was fortunate to be involved in this process from the beginning in SD48, from the formation of our district's Strategic Plan and then the forming of our new education plan, Pathways to Learning," she said.

"With exceptional leadership from our superintendent and senior school district staff, we, as a board, were able to make well-informed decisions through this lengthy process and successfully implement our new education plan."

There is much to be proud of in the district over the past eight years, Lythe said.

"Our Aboriginal graduation rates have skyrocketed and are the highest in the province, and we are also one of few districts to have signed and incorporated our Aboriginal Enhancement agreement into our Education Plan," she said.

"The biggest achievement, though, is seeing the difference and enthusiasm in how our students learn. Visiting the schools and seeing firsthand some of the work and incredible changes in culture, teaching and learning is the most satisfying thing for myself as a trustee."

All that being said, Lythe said there is more work to do (like rolling out the new graduation transition plan mandated by the province), and feels her knowledge of the district and experience as a trustee will prove valuable moving forward, particularly with fellow Whistler trustee Chris Vernon-Jarvis stepping aside after four terms.

"It is not a position to take lightly and is a massive learning curve especially in your first term. There is also a considerable time commitment. But it is one I am happy to make and I hope to continue in this role for another term," Lythe said.

Along with Vernon-Jarvis, Patricia Westerholm, Pemberton's trustee, will also not seek re-election.

Lythe, Vernon-Jarvis and Westerholm all ran unopposed in 2014.

The nomination period for the Oct. 20 election began on Sept. 4 and closes Sept. 14.

Those thinking of running for trustee can find nomination packages and more information at www.sd48seatosky.org/board/2018-school-trustee-elections.

Questions regarding trustee elections for SD48 can be directed to Sarah Saunders at the Secretary Treasurer's Office: ssaunders@sd48.bc.ca.