Philippine Asian News Today Vol 20 no 19 | Page 20

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PHILIPPINE ASIAN NEWS TODAY October 1 - 15, 2018
active mentor and help build the foundation for future professionals.
As a trustee he ascribes to the following values: Caring, Respect, and Community.
He is running on a campaign of: Collaboration – between students, staff, parents
and administration, but also with Delta, BC, and community organizations.
Our work should be without politics; Parent Engagement – it is known that
the children whose parents are engaged in their children’s school-life enjoy
success. His decade of parent advocacy will continue; Fiscal Responsibility
– Delta spends the most per capita directly into the classroom and boasts the
fourth lowest administrative costs in the province, while enjoying the highest
graduation rates in Metro Vancouver and second highest in the province. He
will work to ensure that every dollar that is invested into the system has a clear
benefit; and Mental Wellness – He will continue on with the Healthy Schools
Committee to address mental wellness for students and staff, and ensure that
it remains a priority for the District.
NEW WESTMINSTER
Cyrus Sy (School Board Trustee) - New West
Progressives
Cyrus has lived in New Westminster since 2007
with his wife and two kids (who attend Herbert
Spencer Elementary and Glenbrook Middle
School). He is passionate about causes that
support children and parents. He has served
as Board Chair with Parent Support Services
Society of BC (PSSBC) and Board co-chair
with the Kolumbia Inn Daycare Society (KIDS).
He graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Applied Science
degree and has worked in the BC technology industry for nearly 20 years
in engineering and marketing roles. His favorite pastimes include running,
photography and exploring new places.
According to Cyrus, the top three issues facing the New Westminster school
board include advocating for adequate funding as part of the provincial funding
formula review.; ensuring that rebuild of the new high school, seismic upgrades
of Richard McBride and Lord Tweedsmuir are completed on time; and ensuring
adequate school and education support staff for students with special needs.
He says that the positives include budget surplus, approval for new high
school and seismic upgrades, diversity and inclusion initiatives and technology
upgrades, but there are opportunities for improvement such as improved two-
way communication with parents, training and support for teachers on new
technology in classrooms and creating strong environmental and sustainability
policies.
Cyrus believes that the district plays a key role to adhere to a fair process that
engages all community stakeholders as we decide its future. The consultation
process must be inclusive, fair and
transparent.
NORTH VAN
Isabelo Behl Evangelista (School Board
Trustee) - Independent
In his 28 years as a custodian, Behl
learned how important it is to have a
safe, clean, and supportive learning
environment to provide high-quality
education for all North Vancouver
students. He came to Canada from
the Philippines, married, and has
lived in the District for over 36 years. In the Philippines, Behl held accounting
credentials and worked for eight years in the Provincial Engineer’s Office,
where he learned financial management, strategic planning, and teamwork
in an office environment. However, in Canada he had a very different career in
building maintenance but practiced the arts of teamwork and cooperation.
Behl recently retired, and has devoted much of my life to public education,
and now seek to serve as a trustee. He will bring in a unique background and
different perspective that will be valuable to school board decision-making.
As a school trustee, he knows that he always can’t make everyone happy. There
are always fewer resources than we need and “to govern is to choose.” In
the context of limited resources, he understands the importance of setting up
priorities. However, he says there’s a need to push for a better solution in funding
formula from Victoria. He will listen to advice and input from all stakeholders;
work cooperatively and respectfully with fellow trustees and decide responsibly
according to the best interests of students.
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