After much careful consideration, long-serving Central Okanagan Public Schools Chairperson Moyra Baxter has decided not to run for re-election as school trustee.

鈥淚 thought about the pros and cons, and I came to the conclusion that I don鈥檛 want to do it anymore,鈥� said Baxter.

She was first elected as a school trustee in 1996 and has been re-elected every term since then. She has served as chairperson for 16 of her 26-year tenure with the school board.

鈥淚f I think about what I鈥檝e really enjoyed, it鈥檚 the opportunity to meet students,鈥� added Baxter. 鈥淚鈥檝e always felt like students tell you like it is and you learn so much about what we need to be trying to do for them.鈥�

She also believes the role of trustee has become more understood by the community but is still concerned that those running for trustee don鈥檛 get the consideration they deserve.

鈥淥ne of the biggest disappointments for me over the years has been municipal elections,鈥� said Baxter. 鈥淗ow many people who go out to vote for mayor, council, and regional district, don鈥檛 vote for school trustee.鈥�

Baxter noted she has been approached over the years to run for a different office, such as city council.

鈥淔or me, the most important locally-elected position is that of a school trustee. If you have a good public education system that strives to make sure every student can be the best that they can be, that鈥檚 so important for our community, our democracy.鈥�

Baxter added it is her hope that individuals interested in running for school trustee in October鈥檚 municipal elections will do their research and understand the role.

鈥淚 hope that they really think about 鈥榳hy do I want to put my name forward.鈥� It carries so much responsibility. We have over 24,000 students in the Central Okanagan, and every one of them is important.鈥�

As for what鈥檚 next, Baxter added that she鈥檒l continue with her volunteer work among other things.

鈥淚鈥檒l continue on doing what I鈥檝e been doing. I鈥檓 a Rotarian and am quite involved with my club. It will be good to be able to give more time.鈥�

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gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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