[NEWS] Local parent seeks seat on school board

A new candidate has emerged and is announcing his run for a seat on the New Westminster school board.
Local parent Mark Gifford, who attended Connaught Heights Elementary as a young person, has the endorsement of the New Westminster District Labour Council in the race.
“I’ve seen the powerful difference public schools can make in the life of a child, youth or family. I believe I offer specific experience and values that will help make our schools stronger for everyone,“ Gifford said in a press release. “I want to help build more inclusive, engaged, and high-performing schools.”
School board chair Jonina Campbell, who is also supported by the local labour council and is seeking re-election to the school board, put her support behind the new candidate.
“I'm excited Mark has stepped forward as a candidate for trustee – his passion and strong track record of building partnerships and funding strategies that engage youth and communities will be a great asset for New Westminster schools,” Campbell said in the release.
Gifford works with Vancouver Foundation and has expertise in the best practices for governance, financial oversight, serving diverse populations, and youth and community engagement, according to the release.
Gifford is also organizing Strike-O-Rama – a community-building Welcome Back to School event on Thursday, Oct. 2 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Lucky Strike Lanes in New West.