Tanya Coghill Announces Candidacy for Abbotsford School Trustee

URGENT UPDATE: Tanya Coghill, a dedicated volunteer and the recent recipient of the 2023 Abbotsford Board of Education Community Matters Award, has officially declared her candidacy for the upcoming Abbotsford school trustee byelection on October 11, 2023. This announcement was made in a press release earlier today, signaling her readiness to tackle pressing challenges facing local schools.

Coghill, a lifelong resident of Abbotsford, has been an active member of the Abbotsford School District community since 2007. Her extensive experience includes serving as a former director on the Abbotsford School District Parent Advisory Council (PAC) and mentoring various PACs both within and outside the district. She stated that her knowledge of the local education system equips her well for the trustee role.

“We are facing more than budget challenges,” Coghill emphasized, highlighting critical issues like staffing shortages and the loss of key roles, which are impacting administrators, teachers, and support staff. Her commitment to transparency is evident as she has worked diligently to share the board’s strategic plans and district budgets with school planning councils and PACs.

In her press release, Coghill reflected on her philosophy, stating,

“A happy staff means happy students… I would love to be a part of rebuilding that culture in collaboration with the district’s management, students, parents, and staff – because we are stronger together.”

This approach has resonated throughout the community, particularly at schools like Sandy Hill Elementary, Clayburn Middle School, and Robert Bateman Secondary, where she has implemented her “serving with joy” motto.

Coghill’s commitment to inclusive education shines through her advocacy for gender equity in athletics, academics, and extracurriculars, which she presented to secondary school PACs in 2022 and 2023. Her initiatives have laid a foundation for equal recognition and opportunities for all students.

She is entering a competitive race, joining previously declared candidates Arsh Kaler, Benjamin Mehrer, and Graeme Hutchison. With the byelection just a month away, Coghill’s announcement is poised to energize voters and stakeholders in the Abbotsford community.

As the deadline for the byelection approaches, community members are encouraged to engage with candidates and discuss their visions for the future of education in Abbotsford. For more information about Coghill’s campaign, visit her website.