Prince George, B.C. – Two term School Trustee Trish Bella is enthusiastically seeking her third term in office this November.

“I am really very much hooked on education for all our students. I became involved when my daughter went into kindergarten and I really found my niche to work on behalf of all students. The students have all become my kids.”

School Trustee Trish Bella – photo 250 News

She says she brought a rural voice to the BC School Trustees Association as a board member the past three years (she did not seek re-election to that post in April) and says that remains a challenge moving forward.

“If we can all speak on behalf of education – get that voice out there – get that piece into Victoria because we do have unique issues, challenges and triumphs. We have four years to do fabulous work.”

She says that includes getting the word out about the uniqueness of the district.

“You step out the front door of our board office and you have four hours to one end, two up to the other end and the schools in between. We have inner city schools, we have large and small schools. And that piece, to make those kids have the access to education they deserve is quite a challenge, along with the recruitment and retention of staff.”

Bella says funding will also be a challenge noting, “we have to address the fact that our students in B.C. are the second lowest funded in the country.”

But it’s a test she’s ready for, “I think it’s very exciting. Is it all good and am I wearing rose coloured glasses moving forward? No, but I’m excited by what we can accomplish.”