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Penticton  

Board chair acclaimed

The School District 67 Board of Trustees opted for the status quo during its inaugural meeting.

Both board chair Linda van Alphen and vice chair Bill Bidlake were acclaimed in their roles, nominated without opposition.

After a rocky year, van Alphen said it was the chance to play a key part in developing the district's strategic plan that kept her in the role.

"I wanted to be chair for this year, and I just believe in having a really good strategic plan to take this district forward,” she said noting that many people within the district were “forced to work off the side’s of their desks” while they dealt with turmoil surrounding the announced closure of McNicoll Park Middle School, Trout Creek Elementary and West Bench Elementary.

Following protests in several communities impacted by school closures, the provincial government stepped in with a rural education fund, saving West Bench and Trout Creek.

“It’s time for all of us to catch up to the work we are supposed to be doing, which is providing educational opportunities to the students in this district,” van Alphen said.



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