COMMUNITY First New Westminster on Thursday announced that Jalen Bachra, 21, is its candidate in the upcoming school board by-election.
Bachra, a Glenbrook North resident and founding member of New Westminster Schools’ Student Voice will be running for the vacant seat.
“I think the prospect of having a young person on the school board is really exciting,” he said. “I can amplify that students’ perspective, while still addressing the concerns of parents.”
He first became interested in government during his campaign to improve transit for Queensborough students attending New Westminster Secondary School. His advocacy was part of successful efforts to secure provincial government funding for a school bus and transit subsidies that promise to reduce the cost and commute times for students.
“We are very happy to put Jalen forward as a candidate,” said Nancy Kato, Chair of Community First New Westminster, which currently holds the majority on both council and school board. “We are confident that Jalen’s youthful perspective will be invaluable to the school board. Community First would also like to thank the other members who considered seeking the nomination and are supportive of Jalen Bachra.”
Bachra also has prior experience with the school board – he served as a non-voting student trustee in 2020. As a recent New Westminster Secondary School graduate, he understands the needs of students in New Westminster and brings a student focused agenda to the role of trustee.
Bachra works as a part-time constituency assistant to Burnaby South MP Jagmeet Singh and has been active as a university student representing students as President of student newspaper, The Ubyssey.
His priorities include more space in schools, improved mental health resources, and support for learning about sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). If elected, he wants to focus on equity, anti-racism, the environment, and inclusion for people with a variety of needs.
“I want to continue making the student experience better, so students can be excited to go to school,” Bachra said.
The New Westminster by-election takes place Saturday, February 3, 2024.
For more information on Community First New Westminster, visit www.communityfirstnw.ca./