Retired high-school teacher Mike Milner is the new school trustee in Pemberton.
"As a teacher I was always concerned with the attrition of services to the kids – the larger classes, the removal of special education support, cuts to library services and the reduced amount of funding," said Milner from his Birken home.
"I don’t know what I will be able to do at the school board to change this but I am sure I am not alone in my concerns."
Milner taught at the Pemberton high school for 11 years before moving to Howe Sound Secondary for two years. He retired from teaching four years ago.
"I will bring some understanding of what it is like in the schools and in the communities, said Milner.
"I know the business so I will bring that perspective and I hope that will help."
Milner also said education in Pemberton faces some unique challenges because it is one of the fastest growing communities in Canada. The population is growing younger with fewer people involved in typical rural occupations.
There is also a large First Nation’s community with its own needs and expectations.
"We need to get everyone working together on this," said Milner.
The school trustee position became vacant when Betty Connell resigned in September due to ill health.
Maureen Whale was also nominated to fill the vacant trustee position but withdrew her name, handing the job to Milner.
