School boards are important

Dear editor: School boards are important, and their value is enhanced when trustees that possess a good mix of experience, knowledge, and fresh perspective are elected.

As a school trustee not seeking reelection, I know firsthand that Central Okanagan Public Schools is blessed with outstanding teachers, support staff and education leaders and they need the latitude and support from the board to do their work. Trustees should be positively facilitating their work — not micromanage it.

I’ve reviewed platforms put forward by candidates and feel that a mixture of incumbents and firsttime trustees would create balance and enhance the value of our school board to our community.

In Kelowna, candidates like Rolli Cacchioni and Joachim Nierfeld should be given serious consideration. Their credentials are impressive and we would be lucky to have them serve on the board of education.

In Peachland, Marjorie Brims will provide fresh perspectives to important issues facing the board and Chris Vernon-Jarvis, who is running in West Kelowna, will particularly be able to provide a different perspective having served three terms in another school district.

These are the considerations that I am bringing to my choices for school trustee. Who you choose matters — choose wisely — and most importantly, please vote. It does make a difference. Chris Gorman

Kelowna