Veteran trustee faces fight to keep seat in Peachland
Retired health-care worker to run against Moyra Baxter
There will be a race for the position of school trustee in Peachland this fall. Retired health-care professional Marjorie Brims on Friday announced her candidacy to represent the District of Peachland and the Central Okanagan West electoral area, which includes Tsinstikeptum IR No. 9 and No. 10 (Zone II), on the Central Okanagan school board.
“I do believe it’s time to bring a fresh perspective to the school board,” Brims said. “More important, I am a strong supporter of a high-quality public education system and I feel that my strengths could serve the board and my community well.”
Brims began her professional career with Interior Health, working in Penticton in the physio department. She was later in charge of occupational health and safety in Kelowna, a position she held until retiring in 2013. Through her work with IH, she gained experience in large-organizational education, as well as financial and leadership accountability. When working in occupational health and safety, she often dealt with cases of violence in the workplace.
Born in Lennox Castle, Scotland, she is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan in physical therapy with a master’s degree in health studies from Athabasca University. She is the mother of four and grandmother of four, and resides in Peachland.
She will challenge Moyra Baxter, a seven-term trustee, and is running on a campaign of positive change.
“I don’t have a lot of experience in policy and, because of that, I will have to go out and learn, go out and talk to people, and I don’t have any preconceived notions,” Brims said in an interview. “I’m very open to what the community wants to see from the board for the next four years and I quite firmly believe the school board needs to do a much better job in involving the community with information.”
Her volunteer work includes serving on parent advisory councils, dry-grad committees and as a Girl Guide campsite director.
She believes the biggest issue facing the new board will be the teachers’ contract, which is up for negotiation. She also expects several new trustees will be elected (Kelowna trustee Chris Gorman has already announced he won’t seek re-election) and the new board will have to learn to work as a cohesive unit.
Brims has been endorsed by Bruce Johnson, former chairman of the School District 67 board in Penticton.
“I’ve known her for 20 years as a parent, a mother and a great advocate for the school system, and I appreciate her intelligence, work ethic and sincerity,” Johnson said. “I think she’d be an excellent trustee.”
Baxter and Brims are the only candidates who have officially declared their intentions in Peachland. Chantelle Desrosiers previously announced she is seeking a spot on the board in West Kelowna.
Election day is Oct. 20.