On Tuesday RITE Richmond announced its slate of school board trustees, which includes incumbent candidates Norm Goldstein and Rod Belleza.
The announcement comes as the provincial government and B.C. Teachers' Federation meet behind closed doors to end a mud-slinging labour dispute before classes are scheduled to start on Sep. 2.
Belleza will be running for his third-term for the Richmond Board of Education.
In a news release, Belleza noted his 25 years of community service, including work with the Richmond Intercultural Advisory Committee and several multicultural associations. He's particularly active in the Filipino community and has a law degree from the Philippines.
Goldstein was narrowly elected in 2011, finishing eighth in the eight-seat race. With a Ph.D in mathematics, Goldstein has served on the board's audit and finance committees. After a 21 year career with MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates he now runs a consulting and contracting company.
Goldstein finished just ahead of running mate Michael Starchuk who is hoping third time is the charm in his bid to become a trustee. Starchuk is a senior program manager at Tomorrow's Topkids Child Care Society and a fourth generation Richmondite.
RITE Richmond announced a platform for the upcoming term.
It wants to see students "reach their individual potential" and aims to do so by preparing students for life and work. It aims to ensure special needs students have support.
RITE Richmond also wants "stable, adequate and predictable funding" and, if required, trustees will "engage the community and stakeholders, and take political action."
Furthermore, the party hopes to "foster an inclusive and collaborative environment."
The three candidates will challenge incumbent Richmond First trustees Eric Yung, Debbie Tablotney as well as board board chair Donna Sargent.
Current trustee Kenny Chiu will leave at least one opening at the round table, as he's announced intentions to run as a candidate for the Conservative Party of Canada in next year's election.
It remains unclear if nine-year veteran trustee Grace Tsang will run again.
The Richmond News asked if she would or not, or whether she was undecided.
"I'm not prepared to make any comment right now," said Tsang, who is not listed on the Richmond First website.
Richmond First is running two new, additional candidates, Peter Liu and Kevin Lainchbury.
