New-look Chilliwack school board sworn in

CHILLIWACK – Four new trustees were sworn in to the seven-member Chilliwack Board of Education at its meeting earlier this week, following the results of last month’s municipal election.

Trustees David Swankey, Michael Carter, Margaret Reid, Leah Kelley, Cary Moore, Katie Bartel and Willow Reichelt took the oath of office on Tuesday, Nov. 10, marking the start of a new term for the Chilliwack Board of Education that runs through to October 2030.

The four new trustees are Michael Carter, Leah Kelley, Cary Moore and Katie Bartel.

Three trustees elected not to run in the last election cycle, including Richard Procee, Carin Bondar and Teri Westerby.

Bartel, a parent advocate, received the most votes with 9,359.

Incumbent David Swankey finished in second place with 8,112 votes, while Margaret Reid came in third place with 7,726 votes.

Leah Kelley garnered fourth place with 7,561 votes, followed by lawyer Michael Carter with 7,527 votes in fifth place.

Willow Reichelt finished in sixth place with 7,449 votes.

Cary Moore came in seventh place with 7,108 votes.

The school board will be led by a 5-2 progressive majority, similar to the 2022 election when progressives won five of seven seats that year.

A special regular meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 17, during which time the trustees will select the board chair and vice chair.