School board chair to seek re-election
Moyra Baxter has served as trustee for Peachland, Central Okanagan West since 1996
Not counting the session this year when she abruptly left due to an illness, Moyra Baxter has never missed a Central Okanagan school board meeting in 22 years.
Commitment to the position is one of the things she offers voters in the District of Peachland and the Central Okanagan West electoral area, which includes Tsinstikeptum IR No. 9 and No. 10 (Zone II).
Baxter announced Wednesday her intention to seek re-election to the trustee position, which she has held uninterrupted since 1996.
“People say it’s good to get new blood in. That’s true, but I think it comes down to the person who’s running, and the time and effort they’re willing to put into it,” she said in an interview.
“Just because you’re younger does not mean you’re able to put in the time that’s required to do the job. I have proven this time and time again. I was one of only two trustees who was at a teachers’ Pro-D (development) session yesterday. I have an understanding of the job and I’m very conversant with the School Act and the importance of listening to parents and others.”
Baxter first ran for the school board in 1990, when she resided in Kelowna. She lost the fourth and final elected position by one vote following a series of recounts.
She was first elected in 1996 as Peachland’s representative and won four elections (including 2011 in a three-way race) and was acclaimed the other times.
Baxter describes herself as being “into my 70s,” but did not reveal her age. She said she’s in good health and is prepared for another four years if re-elected.
She said priorities over the next four years will include building healthy relationships with parents, updating the board’s longterm facility plan, updating the board’s strategic plans, advocating for capital funds from the Ministry of Education, and successfully completing negotiations on new contracts with the teachers and CUPE support staff.
During her 22 years on the board, she was chairperson for 12 years, including the past year.
No other school board candidates have announced their intentions in Peachland, but Baxter is expected to face at least one challenger.
Election day is Oct. 20.