Rod Belleza
Party: Richmond Community Coalition
Occupation: Financial advisor
Why are you running for office?
I would like to ensure that the Richmond Board of Education provides quality public education for our children and conserves district lands for affordable rental housing and or daycare. As an immigrant, I want to pay back the goodness of Canada by serving as a school trustee of the Richmond Board of Education.
Key issues in this election:
1. With the soaring inflation and world energy crisis during this post-pandemic time, insufficient funding and resources of our public education will have a negative impact on our school programs and support for our students and staff.
2. Mental health and school safety: The pandemic had a devastating impact on learning and health of our students and staff.
3. With the high cost of living, parents will carry a heavy load in supporting their children. The cost of daycare will be very expensive. There will be many children going to school hungry. Parents who have children with special needs will be left to bear the burden of providing their needs.
Dean Billings
Party: Independent
Occupation: Software project manager
Why are you running for office?
I believe we are pursuing fashionable policies that sound good but are not right for Richmond. Richmond is a wonderful community, blessed with many advantages, and we should be leading the province in academics. Instead, we appear to be racing to place intersectionality as our sole core value.
At a time when our budget shortfall has us losing approximately 19 staff, our priority is public art. While we have a public health crisis in overdoses, our district has no clear policy. I believe we need to refocus on core academics and demand more transparency.
Key issues in this election:
First, we need to put together a plan to become a nation-leading district in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
Second, we should focus on students at risk of suicide, drug addiction and extremism.
Third, with the significant gender identity demographic changes we’re seeing, we need to require that health education explain the risks of puberty blockers in plain language to students and parents.
Chris Dinnell
Party: Richmond Education Party
Occupation: Realtor at RE/MAX Westcoast ~ Dinnell Real Estate Group
Why are you running for office?
Giving back to our community is something I believe in very strongly, and, of course, our youth, as they are the future of this city! I would be proud to say that I helped make some much needed changes in our school system. I believe I can offer a fresh perspective on many ongoing topics within the system and look forward to speaking to that as a future member of the Richmond Education Party. I’m looking forward to this next chapter in my professional and personal life.
Key issues in this election:
1. Equity & Inclusion, implementing recommendations from the diversity and anti-racism working group and continuing to support the work of the SOGI advisory committee.
2. Mental Health and Wellness, working with community agencies to provide more comprehensive wrap-around services to our students
3. Programs for our future entrepreneurs. I feel our school system does little to teach our students about business & entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship education can show students that mistakes can be made and learnt from.
Kay Hale
Party: Independent
Occupation: Real estate
Why are you running for office?
I work in the real estate industry, have a multicultural background and speak five languages: English, Cantonese, Hindi, Punjabi and elementary Chinese
My grandchild, Grade10, attends school in Richmond. I’ve stay involved with her school activities and special events. Over the years, I’ve noticed “language barrier” is an issue with some families. Most parents are frustrated and feels their voices are not communicated! A diversity of professional staff on the school board should reflect the school demographic. Effective and accurate communication with parents, students, and teachers is of paramount importance.
Key issues in this election:
Mental health and drug abuse: I will advocate to the B.C. Education Ministry to implement “The School Mental Health” team for district school boards to promote students’ mental health and well-being.
ADHD/ ADD: teachers be professionally trained to recognize the symptoms. I’ll advocate for an “Individual Education Plan” as an option, with parent’s consent.
SOGI Committee should be comprised of members from diverse background, to better communicate with parents and teachers. It’s parental choice! Communication and comprehension is the first step to “Educate and be Educated.”
Ken Hamaguchi
Party: Richmond Education Party
Occupation: Autism/Behaviour Consultant & paid Minor Hockey Service Provider
Why are you running for office?
I have enjoyed my last eight years as a school trustee. I feel that we have accomplished a great deal — but there is much more work to do. I would like to continue working on building the best possible educational program for our students and staff.
Key issues in this election:
Student Safety – We need to:
- Have all our schools be seismically upgraded
- Have a good earthquake preparedness plan
- Continue to follow the provincial COVID-19 directives
Diversity and Inclusion – We want all students to feel safe and welcomed in their schools and throughout the district.
Supporting our staff – We want to ensure that are staff are supported and empowered to provide the best possible education and services to our students.
Heather Larson
Party: Richmond Education Party
Occupation: Educational assistant, buyer, and homestay coordinator (retired).
Why are you running for office?
With my broad experience, I bring a unique perspective to the board.
Key issues in this election:
Safety: Seismic remediation — advocate for the specific needs of Richmond: liquefaction and flooding; ventilation and condition of our buildings — continue to monitor and upgrade where necessary; follow health and wellness protocols (PHO, VCH, and district); continue and expand our school food and meal programs
Equity & Inclusion: Implement recommendations from our Sexual Orientation Gender Identity and Diversity Anti-Racism advisory committees to ensure everyone’s needs are not only recognized but respected; actively support the unique needs of vulnerable children
Mental health and wellness: Focus on the development of social, emotional skills which promote positive mental health; increase student support with community agencies; focus on illicit drug awareness; continue with HR wellness support for employees
Safe, inclusive learning environments enable students to thrive socially emotionally and academically. We need to embrace and build on our partnerships and together we can raise awareness, improve understanding and build confidence and trust in what we are doing to make our schools safe for everyone.
Richard Lee
Party: Independent
Occupation: Lawyer (retired)
Why are you running for school trustee?
To serve the families and the children in Richmond School District, to contribute to a better learning experience for all our K-12 students
Key issues in this election:
1. Our students with disabilities to be better served
2. Teacher shortage, risk of
3. Safe school start
Linda Li
Party: Richmond Community Coalition
Occupation: Managing Broker and Realtor
Why are you running for office?
COVID-19 exposed many vulnerabilities in our school system. When our students needed the trustees to step up and protect them, the leadership demonstrated their inadequacies. Richmond needs strong school trustees and I have an extensive track record of community leadership and I am ready to defend our students’ safety and fight for their future.
Key issues in this election
Promoting and fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment in Richmond public schools that support each individual’s physical and mental wellness.
Partnering with businesses, nonprofit organizations and post-secondary institutions to teach students the technical and entrepreneurial skills that will prepare them to succeed in the real world.
Supporting teachers and staff by advocating more resources for mental wellness and professional development.
Rachel Ling
Party: Richmond Community Coalition
Occupation: BC Health Regulator
Why are you running for office?
As a mother of two children, my goal is that all Richmond students enjoy a quality public education. I want to ensure our schools are fully supported.
After completing my degree at McGill University, I studied at the University of Waterloo, the University of Hong Kong and SFU. I am currently a board member of SFU. Having these experiences, I understand how students should be prepared during high school, so they are successful in post-high school education or in their careers.
Key issues in this election:
- Mental and physical well-being: According to UBC’s early learning report, Richmond’s well-being score is below B.C.’s average; B.C. teachers’ mental health deteriorated during the pandemic. We need to address this.
- Funding: Richmond School Board has dipped into its reserve to cover its budget shortfall. This approach is not sustainable. We need to advocate for funding more effectively and proactively.
- Student success: We need to prepare students for post-secondary institutions and careers after high school. The schools need to provide students and parents with more resources.
Rajan Paul
Party: Independent
Occupation: Community volunteer
Why are you running for office?
I have been a resident of Richmond for over 48 years, with 30 years of experience as a frontline worker at a homeless shelter. In dealing with addictions and mental health issues, I have developed a very deep understanding of how important education and a strong school system are for an overall healthy child.
I’m a strong believer that if you raise happy and healthy children, they will become happy and healthy adults who become productive members of society. It all starts in our schools with the help of the school board.
Key issues in this election:
Increase the support of mental health resources for students in the district
Addressing classroom support needs in the area of education assistants and resources
Support pre-existing breakfast programs and look for other areas in need of this program
Donna Sargent
Party: Richmond United Voters Association
Occupation: Richmond school trustee
Why are you running for office?
I passionately believe that a safe, inclusive and caring public education is the key to everything and every child is entitled to the very best education. With my knowledge and experience of being on the Board of Education for 20 years along with my provincial experience, eight years on the board of the British Columbia Schools Trustees Association (BCSTA), I believe I will be an asset and can continue to truly make a difference. I am a hard-working team player, life-long learner and have a heartfelt commitment to working collaboratively with our stakeholders/community to ensure our work is always focused on what’s best for students.
Key issues in this election:
Adequate, predictable and stable funding to ensure these top priorities are supported:
- Safe schools (seismically/well-maintained facilities/City Centre school
- Mental health and wellness (for our students and our staff)
- Equity and inclusion (Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation calls to action/supports for different ways of learning and being)
Advocacy is an important part of the role of a trustee and one I take very seriously. It has to be done in a multi-pronged approach — at the local, provincial and federal level and by being at the decision-making table. I will continue to commit to this work.
Andrew Scallion
Party: Richmond Education Party
Occupation: Sales
Why are you running for office?
I have been deeply involved with the school district for 11 years as a parent volunteer and president of the Richmond District Parents Association. I would like to continue to serve the parents, students and stakeholders of Richmond as a trustee. I bring a wealth of knowledge about district issues as well as an excellent working relationship with all senior staff.
Key issues in this election:
SOGI – Although the district passed a SOGI policy in 2018 it is still poorly understood by many parents. I currently serve on the SOGI Advisory Committee and would like to continue that work as a trustee to help promote education and understanding around SOGI so everyone in our schools can feel safe, welcome and respected.
Safety – I will work to ensure seismic remediation projects are completed across the district and ventilation systems are upgraded as needed to protect the safety of our students and staff.
Advocacy – I will advocate on behalf of students, parents and stakeholders both locally and provincially to ensure there is adequate funding for our district to continue to be the best place to learn and lead.
Debbie Tablotney
Party: Richmond Education Party
Occupation: Insurance broker/trustee
Why are you running for office?
I have enjoyed serving as trustee for 18 years advocating for the students, staff and community of Richmond. My three boys attended Richmond schools and that’s where my years of involvement began.
I believe strongly in public education and still feel committed to advancing the board’s work towards the goals and objectives of our Five-Year Strategic Plan adopted in 2020 as well as our Long-Range Facilities Plan. There is so much more the board can do to improve teaching and learning in Richmond and I want to dedicate myself to that work.
Key issues in this election:
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Truth and Reconciliation which will continue to be important work for the district. All students and staff deserve to feel safe, welcome, heard and supported.
Enhanced programs and supports for classrooms and access to mental health and wraparound services for students.
Advocating to the province for increased operational funding that is tied to inflation as well as continued funding to provide seismically safe and well-maintained facilities.
Alice Wong
Party: Richmond Communitiy Coalition
Occupation: Communitiy volunteer
Why are you running for office?
I am passionate about having a strong public education system in Richmond. I believe that good communication and relationships are important. I will deliver a more open and transparent consultation and engagement process for all stakeholders. I am running with a team that will deliver action on key issues to improve education outcomes in Richmond.
Key issues in this election:
1. Helping students recover and transition coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic by supporting students’ social, and emotional development in learning, and enhancing teaching resources for students’ learning loss during the pandemic.
2. Ensuring equitable and inclusive learning opportunities for all by advocating adequate funding and resources to support professional development for teachers, support staff, ELL learning and school counsellors, including additional funding for Indigenous education programs in the Grade 11 and Grade 12 curriculum.
3. Focusing on mental health and wellness, expanding programs and services to support mental health for students, teachers and staff.
David Yang
Party: Richmond Education Party
Occupation: Public servant
Why are you running for office?
As a Richmondite who grew up in an immigrant family and recently went to school here, I want to ensure that future generations will have a quality education as I did. The past few years have been financially challenging, but we cannot afford to shortchange public education. I will work hard to defend the interests of our students, parents and educators.
Key issues in this election:
Strengthening inclusive schools: Our schools need to be an inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their gender, ethnic background, ability or identity. I am committed to strengthening diversity, equity, truth and reconciliation, and anti-racism in school district spaces.
Supporting diverse learners: Students in Richmond are diverse and have different educational needs. This means more resources on the ground, expanding ELL & language programs, more staff for special education, mental health support, variety in academic courses, and other improvements.
Advancing seismic and infrastructure upgrades: Continued investments to ensure schools meet modern safety standards and securing a new school site for City Centre neighbourhoods.
