Image: Supplied by H. Maahs / Chilliwack School Board trustee Heather Maahs intends to prioritize reading and academic skills in her re-election bid.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

School board

Chilliwack school board candidate Maahs to prioritize reading, academic skills in re-election bid

Aug 16, 2022 | 11:30 AM

CHILLIWACK — After 14 years of serving the Chilliwack community, Chilliwack School District trustee Heather Maahs hopes to give parents a sounding board for another four years.

Maahs says she will seek a seat on the Chilliwack Board of Education in this fall’s municipal election towards a goal of prioritizing reading and academic skills in her re-election bid.

According to her campaign press release, Maahs has served on the Board of Education for 14 years with a mandate of giving students the reading skills they need to ensure success in whatever future endeavours they choose.

“There have been a lot of interruptions in learning these critical and fundamental skills over the last two years due to COVID-19 and lockdowns,” Maahs said. “Children have paid a high price as is evidenced in reading and math scores. The board must ensure that finances are directed towards students’ skill attainment and the boots on the ground, teachers and their classrooms.”

Maahs says she’s been a relentless advocate of reading skills and the science behind what is known to work for all students to succeed during her entire tenure on the board. She’s not afraid to ask tough questions of administrative staff as she pursues accountability and says she will advocate for parental rights.

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“Parents are the first and foremost educators of their children Maahs said. “They must be included in all aspects of their children’s education. There should never be topics, subject matter or books that are not fully transparent. Nothing should take place in schools without their full knowledge and consent. Parents can never again be prevented from being in their children’s schools,” as was the case during covid, she pointed out.

Maahs says she is looking forward to the next four years of improving all aspects of education with a board that is like-minded in its goals for students, including objectives that empower students to be fulfilled, critically thinking, contributing members of society.

“I value each and every student and aspire for every one of them to succeed to their fullest potential,” Maahs said. “Every child does indeed matter. If these are the attributes that matter to the citizens of Chilliwack, I would ask for your support on October 15, 2022. Let’s make the board a unified voice for successful students.”