Ann Skelcher will be vying for a Trustee Electoral Area 2 (central) School District 46 school board seat come Oct. 15.
The Sechelt resident of 30 years is a newcomer to the political side – having never sat on the school board – but will be a name familiar to those in education circles on the Coast.
Skelcher began working in the district in 1981 as a special education teacher, she told Coast Reporter in an email, going on to later be principal at Langdale, Roberts Creek, Kinnikinnick, Halfmoon Bay Elementary Schools and vice-principal of Chatelech Secondary School before retiring from the district in 2011. She also holds a doctorate in educational leadership and has served on several local boards.
When asked her reasons for running, Skelcher praised the current school board’s leadership through tough challenges and said that it has developed a strong foundation from which to move forward. She said she isn’t entering the campaign because she feels there’s something that needs to be fixed. “I come in fact without a singular focus or issue but rather with the intent of contributing my experience, knowledge and abilities.
“My overarching goal is towards the success and well-being of all our students and staff and providing ongoing opportunities for meaningful participation of students, parents, staff and community.”
Other candidates who have filed nomination papers for the three Area 2 seats are incumbents Amanda Amaral and Maria Hampvent.
Nominations close 4 p.m. Sept. 9.
