Pierre in, Manning out
For the first time in years, a Penticton Indian Band member has been elected to the Okanagan Skaha school board.
Kathy Pierre was elected as the rural trustee, beating Ginny Manning of Kaleden by only 14 votes, according to the unofficial results.
Pierre had 848 votes and Manning, 834. A strong showing on the West Bench lifted Pierre to victory. Manning scored more votes in Naramata and Kaleden, Pierre won the PIB.
“It feels very good, I’m very excited because there’s a lot of work that needs to be done in School District 67,” Pierre said in a phone interview, admitting she was nervous throughout the evening.
“I thank my son Joseph for all the support he has given me, my friends and the community for supporting me, and the people that hosted forums. That gave me the opportunity to share my message.”
Pierre said she is proud that the four communities elected a First Nation woman.
“It’s important that we look at each other in the way of what we can bring rather than looking at the differences we have. I’m happy that the people looked at me that way.”
Manning has been the rural trustee for 16 years and five elections. Pierre had kind words for her.
“I’ve worked in the schools and I’ve been part of the school community and Ginny Manning has been at events, she has been visible and she is someone who is committed to kids.”
Pierre is a teacher and school administrator with the Penticton Indian Band.
The late Archie Jack, a PIB member, was previously on the school board many years ago.
The other trustees elected were Shelley Clarke, Tracy Van Raes, Barb Sheppard and James Palanio in Penticton, and Dave Stathers and Linda Van Alphen in Summerland.
It was the first time Clarke topped the polls since first getting elected in 2007. She was fourth in 2014. Dan Walton was the runner-up in Penticton, finishing in fifth spot but well behind Palanio.
To the south, five of seven trustees on the board of the OkanaganSimilkameen School District won re-election by acclamation: Myrna Coates, Debra Martin, Janice Stevens, Rachel Allenbrand and Robert Zandee. The two seats for Osoyoos were won by Brenda Dorosz and Casey Brouwer, who outpolled Penny Duperron.