Candace Knoll Announces Candidacy for SD43 School Trustee By-Election

Following Jennifer Blatherwick’s election as MLA for Coquitlam-Maillardville in October 2024, a vacant seat has opened on the SD43 School Board. Coquitlam resident Candace Knoll, Founder and President of the Jr. Black Achievement Awards, has announced her candidacy for the by-election set for Saturday, February 22.

Knoll was inspired to run for school trustee through her work with students in the Jr. Black Achievement Awards. “I believe school systems should prioritize the well-being, development, and success of all members of the community, and I want to be part of making sure that happens,” she said.

As a trustee, Knoll would advocate for policy changes, including expanding the Strong Start Program, supporting group activities, and providing tools to promote self-awareness in students. Rather than enforcing rules, she champions a restorative approach, emphasizing “building a bully-free community through social-emotional learning that fosters connection, empathy, and inclusion.”

Knoll highlights Coquitlam’s diversity, noting that in 2021, 56% of the city’s population belonged to diverse minority groups. “For Coquitlam, diversity is one of our strengths. We can learn from each other,” she said.

She also supports a Sanctuary School policy, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have access to a diverse and high-quality education. “They are our leaders, they are our future,” she said. “I want to ensure that when kids leave our schools, they do so with confidence and the ability to contribute to a just, fair, and socially responsible society.”

Regarding funding, Knoll advocates for diversifying the International Student Program and pursuing additional financial opportunities. “I think the provincial government needs to supply more funding,” she said. “We also need to explore grants, initiative-based funding, partnership programs, and renting out school district facilities while brainstorming solutions across school districts.”