CANDIDATE PROFILE: Jo Kang

Professionally, I work in local government with the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, where my role has given me experience in public service, emergency management, workplace safety, and working collaboratively with different communities and organizations.

I am also a product of our local public education system. I attended A.E. Perry Elementary, Brock Middle School, and NorKam Secondary, so serving as a Trustee has always been deeply personal to me.

I am running again because I believe there is still important work ahead. Our district continues to face challenges related to enrollment growth, funding pressures, inflation, infrastructure, student supports, and ensuring that every student has access to a strong public education regardless of where they live in our district. I want to continue bringing a practical, community-focused voice to the board while strengthening relationships with parents, educators, support staff, Indigenous partners, local governments, and the province.

For me, being a trustee is about showing up, listening, asking difficult questions when needed, and making decisions that put students and the long-term health of our public education system first.

What do you think is the biggest issue facing SD73 and how would you use your elected position to address it?

I think one of the biggest issues facing SD73 is capital project funding and making sure our district can keep up with the needs of students, staff, and our growing communities. Rising costs and limited provincial funding continue to put pressure on school districts, while we also have schools facing capacity and infrastructure challenges.

As a trustee, I would continue to advocate strongly with the provincial government for fair and sustainable funding, while making sure we are responsible with the resources we already have. I also believe it is important to keep listening to parents, staff, students, and our partner groups so that budget decisions reflect what our schools actually need.

What do you think is the biggest issue facing students and how would you address it?

I think one of the biggest issues facing students is access to the supports they need to be successful, whether that is mental health support, learning support, safe and welcoming schools, or help outside the classroom.

As a trustee, I would continue pushing for resources to be focused where students need them most and make sure we are listening to students, families, teachers, and support staff. I also think it is important to keep advocating to the province for funding that matches the growing and changing needs in our schools.

What are your thoughts on communication between SD73, its schools and the region’s residents? As a trustee, would you speak to your votes and decisions on the record?

I think strong communication is very important, especially in a district as large as SD73. Families and community members should understand what decisions are being made, why they are being made, and have opportunities to share their concerns.

As a trustee, I believe in being accessible and accountable. I would continue to speak openly about my votes and decisions where appropriate and explain the reasoning behind them. Even when people may not agree with a decision, they deserve to understand how and why it was made.

Following a term highlighted by allegations of bullying and harassment by its former superintendent and a $2.2 million budget shortfall, how would you use your position to bring stability to the school district?

Stability starts with trust, accountability and strong leadership. The past few years have been challenging for the district, including the $2.2-million shortfall that resulted from an accounting error and concerns raised around workplace culture.

As a trustee, I would focus on strong oversight, respectful relationships with staff and partner groups, and making sure there are clear processes for financial reporting and accountability. I also believe the Board needs to communicate openly, ask tough questions when necessary, and make decisions that rebuild confidence with employees, families and the community.

Most importantly, we need to keep the focus on students while creating a stable and respectful organization for the people who work in it.

Why should residents give you their vote?

Over the last four years, I have tried to be accessible, practical and focused on the needs of students and families. I bring experience from both the school board and local government, and I understand the importance of working with staff, parents, community partners and other levels of government.

I am asking for residents’ support because I want to continue that work, keep asking questions, be accountable for my decisions and help move the district forward in a responsible and collaborative way.

by CFJC Today

CANDIDATE PROFILE: Jo Kang

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