Trina Ayling was first elected School Trustee for School District 5 (SD5) in 2008. Four terms later, she feels she still has unfinished business at the local school board.

“When I was first elected 14 years ago it was a logical step from leading a campaign with parents and teachers to fight school closures,” said Ayling. “I think we were the only school district in the province that managed to reverse a school closure [Pinewood Elementary], and I’ve always been so proud of that. I’ve worked hard for fairness and quality education for our local school community ever since.”

Ayling believes SD5 has a strong track record of professionalism, and that produces stability for the entire school community.

“It’s a simple formula,” says Ayling. “Respect for and listening to each other, parents and students. Ensuring we do our due diligence before making decisions. No drama. That’s a fundamental approach I hope to instill in those new School Trustees who will carry on this important role in the years ahead.”

Ayling notes that four of the current Trustees have either retired or decided not to run this upcoming term.

“SD5 needs continuity of knowledge and leadership provided by those who have served through challenging times, to pass the baton of long experience. New Trustees bring their own knowledge and skill sets to the table, and that keeps a board fresh. But the first year of any new Trustees’ term is still a huge learning curve,” said Ayling.

“If more than half of the board is made up of new Trustees, progress and momentum could be lost until the board comes up to speed.”

In addition to mentoring new trustees, Ayling sees a few key goals, which require experienced Trustee oversight, that will need to be achieved in the upcoming term.

“We are making steady progress on our goal of replacement of Mount Baker Secondary School (MBSS), with the Key City Theatre as an integral part of a new school. Government is also moving forward to potentially incorporate affordable day care into schools, and this needs thoughtful consideration and stakeholder input before anything can be planned. As always, we must continue to advocate to the province for adequate education funding and supports.”

Ayling points out that the School District No. 5 community has come through a global pandemic stronger and more focused than ever on the core purpose of education. “Our goal is always to make sure we are giving our school kids, like my own two sons, the tools to develop their own abilities, to learn and grow, to be strong, happy and productive citizens within our community, or wherever their dreams may take them,” said Ayling.

“I hope to continue to be part of that journey for another four years.”

Photo submitted

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