[NEWS] Mother of two takes a run at school board

An École Glenbrook Middle School parent announced her candidacy for school board today.

Kelly Slade-Kerr, one of the founders of an ad-hoc parent group that formed earlier this year to stir up interest and bring some fresh faces to the school board, says she wants to “revitalize and modernize” the school board.

“We are facing tough times in public education and our school district has dealt with and is dealing with its own set of challenges,” she said in a media release. “I believe I have the drive, determination and the practical skills to bring about the changes needed to revitalize and modernize our school district. I want to make our school district a key reason why we are proud to live in New West.”
Slade-Kerr is an employment lawyer entering her 16th year of practice.

“In a law practice, you often need to think outside the box, examine the interests of a number of different stakeholders, and find common ground that allows parties to move forward,” she said. “These skills will be an asset to the board.”
Since moving to New Westminster, Slade-Kerr has been actively involved in the community, serving on the boards of numerous local organizations, including Queen’s Park Preschool Society, Glenbrook Daycare Society, Hyack Swim Club, and the Brow of the Hill Residents’ Association. She is currently a board member at Vivo Children’s Choir Society.

Board of education chair Jonina Campbell praised Slade-Kerr, who, along with Campbell, received the endorsement of the unions through the New Westminster and District Labour Council.
“It is great that Kelly has stepped forward as a candidate for school trustee.  As a lawyer and a mother of two children in middle school, Kelly will bring a welcome perspective to the table,” Campbell said in the release.