Long-time school board trustee Debbie Tablotney has announced that she will run again in Richmond’s upcoming civic election, but this time, independently.
Tablotney, who previously ran as part of Richmond First’s slate, has lived in Richmond since 1982 and has served as a trustee for over 15 years. She told the Richmond News the decision to run on her own was purely logistical, however.
“I was unsure due to some business commitments…at the time my party, Richmond First, needed to know,” she said, adding there were no other particular reasons why she chose not to run with her former slate.
Tablotney said a significant focus in upcoming school board meetings will be the district’s long-range facilities plan.
“That will be (the new board’s) task, to enter into consultation with stakeholders and the community and the Ministry of Education to move forward with some of our challenges, with so many sites that need upgrading seismically,” she said.
Moving forward, Tablotney said she hopes student mental health becomes a priority for the school board.
“We know (students) aren’t getting the treatment and services that they need,” she said.
“I’d like to see us focus on that and maybe looking at some better wrap-around services for our community because I think youth mental health is problematic…so I think a focus on student mental health and our vulnerable students is going to be extremely important.”
Richmond’s general local election is on Oct. 20 when voters will elect a mayor, eight city councillors and seven school trustees.
