Exactly how many vacancies there will be on the School District #83 board for the upcoming November municipal elections remains unknown, although it is certain there will be a vote in the North Shuswap area.
Current trustee Holly Overgaard has decided against running for re-election and is the only trustee so far to come out with a definite no.
Longtime trustee Dr. Michel Saab is on the other end of the pendulum, declaring himself as a confirmed candidate for one of two Salmon Arm seats at the table, while Falkland-Deep Creek-Ranchero trustee Debbie Evans says, “I am 95 per cent sure I will be running for re-election in the upcoming municipal election.”
Armstrong Spallumcheen representative Laurie Myers is also a yes, although she does leave room for changing her mind.
“It’s a yes for now. As far as I know I am going to run,” she says, noting the switch to a four-year term means candidates must even more carefully consider their commitment.
Chris Coers, vice-chair and Enderby representative, is also leaning towards running. “At this point my answer is yes,” she said.
“It is harder work than many people realize, and it’s a big commitment,” she added, noting the education system is chronically underfunded, as the trustees are heading into budget deliberations needing to cut $1.8 million.
Undecided still seems to be the mindset for a number of trustees including board chair and Salmon Arm representative Bobbi Johnson, Sicamous-Malakwa trustee Barry Chafe, Carlin-Sorrento trustee Jenn Wilchuk and Armstrong-Spallumcheen veteran trustee Bob Fowler, who has served on the board for 21 years.