Garry Pendergast is running for trustee on the School District 69 (Qualicum) board.
Pendergast has been involved in education his whole life as a teacher, headteacher (principal), administrator, consultant and college lecturer. Most recently, he is nearing the end of a four-year term as a school trustee in Revelstoke, according to a news release.
“I moved to Parksville in June 2021 and immediately got to know about the education systems in Parksville/Qualicum and surroundings,” Pendergast said in the release. “I am passionate about learning and teaching and like to think I am a life-long learner.”
His experiences on the Revelstoke school board taught him a great deal about the administrative processes in B.C. and he hopes to continue to use his experience in education, and as a trustee, to serve in Parksville/Qualicum.
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“I am especially interested in children with exceptional needs and in the teaching of Math,” said Pendergast, who holds degrees in ‘Special Needs’ and ‘Mathematical Thinking’.
He also volunteers as an adult literacy tutor in Parksville and belongs to other non-profit organizations, including Rotary in Parksville/Qualicum and Revelstoke.
His previous experience includes teaching the Education Assistant program in Revelstoke for five years.
“Teaching is a very complex issue,” Pendergast said. “Support for teachers and Educational Assistants is vital if we are to sustain and then improve the lives of our children. I will be an advocate for increased support for teachers and Educational Assistants, especially for children with different needs.”
He added that careful management of finances is very important to support schools appropriately and the links the BC School Trustees Association have with the provincial government are important to ensure the best for children in the school district.
— NEWS Staff, submitted