Photo: Contributed

A former school trustee is looking to go back to class.

Paula Harned announced her candidacy for School District 22 trustee to media Friday morning.

Harned was elected as a trustee in 2008 and served three years. 

"It was an excellent three years," stated Harned. "I learned a lot, gained a greater understanding of the role the School Board plays within the community and was able to have some influence on good policy and fiscal responsibility."

 At the time she had a 6-month-old baby and three other children under the age of eight.

Now that her kids have grown, Harned is ready to "get back to serving the teachers, students, administration, staff and families in her formal role of school trustee.  

In the years since her time as a trustee, Harned has volunteered on the Silver Star PAC,  Seaton PAC, Seaton Athletic Committee, Chaired the Vernon Community School PAC, Chaired the 2018 Seaton Super Grad Committee and served as Vice Chair with SKY Volleyball.  

"The time I spent with these committees has been valuable.  I've grown as a team member and a leader," stated Harned.  "Now, it is time, my family is ready for me to step it back up again and see if I can help at a different level."

School District 22 has an operating budget in excess of $109 million, employs approximately 1,000 people and has close to 9,000 students in it's care.  

"It is safe to say the School District 22 directly touches the lives of half the population. Take into account that everyone pays school taxes and now the policies and decisions made at that board table effect everyone.  This is not a task I take lightly. It is hard work.  But the lives of our future citizens and therefore our future as a country and a society are being affected. Playing my part with this work  is a task I would be truly honoured to take up."