CANDIDATE PROFILE: Lee Onslow

Living in Blue River has given me firsthand experience with both the strengths and challenges of rural life. I understand the importance of strong local schools, not only for students but for the health and sustainability of our communities. Our family would not have moved to Blue River if it were not for the one-room elementary school in the community.

I worked in the Oil and Gas Industry for 15 years. I became Canada’s second woman to hold the position of “mud man” which is a drilling fluids technologist. I spent five years bouncing around north east B.C., going from rig to rig making recommendations on how best to run the fluid system. I then moved into Calgary and held corporate sales positions for eleven more years, where I managed multiple multi-million-dollar accounts.

We moved to Blue River to raise our two boys in a small mountain community. I became a Certified Education Assistant and worked at the Blue River Elementary School for quite a few years when my boys attended school there. Now both of my children are attending Clearwater Secondary School.

I am running for the SD73 Board of Education because I believe every student deserves access to quality educational opportunities, regardless of their postal code. I have a strong rural perspective, and I would like to bring that to the table.

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

I believe the biggest issue facing SD73 for their rural students is ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities across a geographically large and diverse district.

Students in rural communities often face unique challenges related to transportation, access to programs, extracurricular opportunities, and specialized services. While these challenges are not always easy to solve, they must remain a priority.

Overcrowding in the Kamloops schools is also a major concern and I will put my advocacy skills to the test and continue to ensure SD73 is front of mind when provincial funding decisions are being made.

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

I believe the biggest issue facing students today is ensuring they develop the core competencies needed to succeed both in school and in life. While literacy and numeracy remain important, employers, post-secondary institutions, and communities are increasingly looking for young people who can communicate effectively, think critically, collaborate with others, and demonstrate personal responsibility.

If elected, I would continue to support investment into strong literacy and numeracy foundations as well as programs that support mental health and wellness. I would also pay close attention to the needs of rural students to ensure they have equitable access to these opportunities.

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?

Strong communication is essential to maintaining public trust and learning the will of the people that Trustees represent.

If elected, I would be willing to engage with residents and would be willing to speak to my votes and decisions on the record.

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?

As a trustee, our governance role is clear: we have one employee, the Superintendent. Part of our responsibility is to ensure that the Superintendent is supported, held accountable, and evaluated fairly. If concerns, complaints, or allegations are brought forward, they must be taken seriously, investigated appropriately, and addressed through established policies and processes.

As for the budget, a Trustee’s duty is to oversee the district’s multi-million-dollar budget. The 2.2-million-dollar deficit was caused by an accounting error and this year there appears to be a budget surplus of 14.7 million dollars. If elected, I would work towards preventing massive budget swings with administrative oversight. I would challenge staff if they were to present aggressive cuts early in the budget cycle. I am not an accountant, but I would insist on structural fail safes.

Why should residents give you their vote?

Residents should give me their vote because I bring both experience and a genuine commitment to our schools and communities. As a parent of two children currently attending schools in School District 73, I understand firsthand the opportunities and challenges facing students, families, and educators.

Over the past 10 years, I have volunteered extensively within our school communities through both the Blue River Elementary School PAC and the Clearwater Secondary School PAC. This involvement has given me a strong understanding of School District 73’s policies, procedures, and the important role that trustees play in supporting student success.

Last year, I was honoured to receive the Parent Volunteer of the Year Award at Clearwater Secondary School, a recognition that reflects my dedication to education and community service.

I am comfortable working in governance environments, building relationships, and bringing people together to find solutions. I am a strong listener who values community input and can turn conversations into meaningful action. Most importantly, I will always approach this role with integrity, common sense, and the best interests of students, families, and staff at heart.

I am committed to helping ensure that School District 73 continues to be a thriving and successful learning community for all.

by CFJC Today

CANDIDATE PROFILE: Lee Onslow

Our Community