Dan Hillman
My name is Dan Hillman, and I would like to be your next school board trustee.
After growing up in a small farming community, with a few stops in between, I have settled in Princeton for the last six years.
My introduction to Princeton came as a player for the Princeton Posse, where I attended Princeton Secondary School. This was great firsthand experience of the school system here.
Fast forward a few years and I now have a family of my own. My invested interests have increased as my own daughter is entering the school system and two more to follow.
I am a community minded person, and a proud member of the community.
In past my efforts were focused on coaching hockey, and have recently shifted to being a sitting board member for our local junior team.
Representing you as a school trustee is a way for me to serve the community and encourage change to the status quo. I value students’ education at all ages, and want to see them reach their full potential.
Working together we can help achieve equity within our school district. I look forward to having open communication with my future constituents. - Submitted
Jamie Kent-Laidlaw
Jamie Kent-Laidlaw has lived with her family in Princeton since 2013.
She has always been very community oriented, volunteering with many organizations including Community Corrections and the John Howard Society (as a community worker for offenders and parolees), Victim Services, Girl Guides of Canada, and in Princeton as an executive member for the local swim club and local Scouts Canada group.
Jamie has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Simon Fraser University, and has worked with the civilian side of the RCMP for the last 15 years, currently working as a detachment services assistant for Princeton’s RCMP station.
Her time spent dealing with people from a range of different backgrounds has provided a solid foundation for problem solving and interpersonal communication with the people around her.
Jamie Kent-Laidlaw hopes to use these skills to make sure Princeton’s students and teachers are heard, and looks forward to bringing her variety of experiences to the role of school trustee. - Submitted
David Rainer
My name is David Rainer. My wife Dianne and I moved to Princeton over 26 years ago and enjoy the lifestyle this community and Area H provide.
I have served as a school trustee for the past 14 years and volunteered coaching baseball, soccer and refereeing.
When I was a board director for the Princeton Golf Club it provided me insight as to what I could do to be a bigger part of the community. This led to becoming a school trustee and becoming involved with the Save Our Hospital group, which brought much needed doctors to our community.
Coming to Princeton to help manage the pellet plant introduced me to the resource based economy and strong work ethic of those that live here.
We have both operated successful businesses and support the local economy.
Being able to access the recreational facilities has enriched our lives and helped develop great friendships.
I am a dedicated, caring, ethical and thoughtful person and will continue to make the needs of our students and schools a priority as your trustee. I will always be approachable and make informed decisions and look forward to continuing the hard work for our students and schools. – Submitted
Ed Staples
Edward Staples is a retired teacher living in the Tulameen River Valley near Princeton. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Dickinson State University and a Master of Education degree from the University of Victoria.
Staples’ career in education spans 38 years, first as an arts teacher in Alberta and British Columbia, followed by international teaching in Saudi Arabia, Chile and Japan. He also has experience as a university instructor at the University of Victoria and an education consultant with Edmonton Public Schools.
In 2008, he and his wife Nienke Klaver retired and moved to their new home on the Tulameen River. Following the partial closure of the Princeton General Hospital emergency department in 2012, Staples and Klaver formed the Support Our Health Care (SOHC) Society of Princeton, dedicated to the improvement of Princeton’s model of health care.
As president of SOHC, Staples has demonstrated consistent leadership, working with local stakeholders to provide stability in our community’s healthcare system.
Staples believes that a strong and effective school system contributes to a thriving community and he looks forward to working collaboratively with students, parents, and teachers to improve and enhance educational opportunities for the residents of Princeton and surrounding area. – Submitted
Leah Ward
I’m a grateful and local heart in the Syilx-Okanagan Nation Territory where I love, live and play.
People have described me as a positive leader that’s growth and future focused.
I’m trained and experienced in educational and employment leadership and governance. I’ve been elected as chairperson of the BCSTA Professional Learning Committee, representing over 60 Boards of Education.
I’ve served 8 years on the BCSTA Thompson Okanagan Branch Executive, ensuring our board is a well-positioned, valued voice in the future of B.C. education.
I’m a proud mom of a Princeton graduate, a fellow PSS alumni, daughter of a school secretary, and 25+ year local volunteer.
I’ve grown up in these valleys and have always cared for people. I now serve as a 20 year career specialist currently working at the Princeton Skills Centre.
I’m the only candidate who’s a local raised voice for education, also the only parent with a graduated student of our schools. I’m qualified at keeping our community’s schoolhouses at the heart of business.
The B.C. education landscape shifts quickly. Vote for proven experience. As a grassroots change-maker, and experienced third term trustee, I work for you, and believe in public education that reflects our local community. – Submitted
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email:andrea.demeer@similkameenspotlight.com
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