ABBOTSFORD, B.C. – Independent Abbotsford School Trustee candidate Chad Cowie is outlining three priorities he says will guide his work on the Board of Education: greater parental involvement, higher academic standards and safer classrooms.

Cowie, a university-trained teacher, father of two Abbotsford public school students and local business owner, says parents need a stronger voice in the education of their children.

“Parents should be empowered to make decisions for their children and should know what is happening in their classrooms,” Cowie said. “That means better communication about classroom content, including advance communication when resources such as SOGI 123 are being used.”

Cowie is also calling for greater public access to elected trustees. If elected, he would advocate for a minimum 30-minute public consultation period at regular Board meetings, allowing parents and residents greater opportunity to raise issues directly with trustees.

Classroom safety is another central priority. Cowie supports establishing a clear progressive discipline framework for serious or repeated behavioural problems, with meaningful consequences that can ultimately include removal from a classroom or school when necessary.

“Students who want to learn deserve a safe and orderly classroom, and teachers need to know that administrators and trustees will support them when serious behavioural problems occur,” Cowie said.

Cowie is also advocating for higher academic standards and clearer information for parents about student achievement. He says school district resources should be concentrated on students and frontline staff rather than unnecessary growth in administration and bureaucracy.

“When we make decisions about spending, programs or staffing, the first question should be: what produces the greatest positive impact for students?” Cowie said. “I want resources reaching classrooms and supporting the people who work directly with students.”

Cowie has taught in Japan, Lithuania, Honduras, the Northwest Territories, Alberta and British Columbia. He holds degrees from Trinity Western University and Simon Fraser University and owns Cowie Construction Ltd., a home renovation company serving Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

Cowie is running as an independent candidate for Abbotsford School Trustee.