Four new school trustees elected; board chair falls short in re-election bid

There will be some new faces on Coquitlam school board as newcomers Blaire West, Jessica Morrison, Tracy Green, and Candace Knoll are each set to serve as trustees.

Candace Knoll thanked Coquitlam residents for their trust.

“Youth are our future, and we have a collective obligation to prepare the next generation to be just, fair, and socially responsible citizens,” Knoll stated in a social media post. “I am proud to be a force for good; a leader, mentor and advocate that won’t stop pushing for change.”

Craig Woods had the strongest showing in Coquitlam, with 15,763 votes. Coquitlam voters also supported incumbents Rosey Manhas and Chuck Dennison.

Blaire West topped all trustee candidates in Port Coquitlam with 7,108 votes while incumbent Christine Pollock garnered 6,328.

Three-term incumbent Michael Thomas, who had served as school board chair, fell short in his re-election bid, finishing third in Port Coquitlam with 5,459 votes.

Port Moody voters elected community volunteer Tracy Green, who underscored the need to expand career, trades, and alternative programs, as well as Jessica Morrison, who campaigned on working to ensure the school district received its fair share of tax dollars.

Kerri Palmer Isaak was elected by acclamation in Anmore-Belcarra.

Incumbents Carol Brodie and Lisa Park did not run for re-election.