08/20/2026
Kamloops, four years ago you gave me the opportunity to serve as your school trustee. It has been one of the greatest honours of my life.
Today, I’m asking for your support again.
I am running for re-election on October 17.
The public schools I help govern are the same schools that helped raise me. I attended Stuart Wood Elementary and South Kamloops Secondary before studying political science and economics at TRU.
School didn’t come easily to me. At TRU, I finally found subjects I cared about, became involved, and was elected by students to serve four terms in university leadership working across our region and province to improve our community.
That experience still shapes how I see education. I believe every student is brilliant in their own way. Our job is to help them discover what brings out that ability and gives them confidence in themselves.
After four years at the board table, my priorities are clear:
▪️ Clearer communication and accessibility
Families deserve timely, understandable information about the good work happening in our schools and the difficult decisions affecting them. Trustees should be visible, approachable, and available throughout the community.
▪️ Advocacy that carries weight
Over the past three years, my fellow SD73 trustees have elected me as our representative to the BC Public School Employers’ Association, and regional trustees have elected me to three consecutive terms on the BC School Trustees Association’s Thompson-Okanagan Branch Executive. I’ve used those roles to bring boards together and advocate for fair funding and stronger student supports based on what our schools need today.
▪️ Safe, engaging, hands-on education
Students need more opportunities to explore trades, technology, arts, athletics, career pathways, and hands-on learning. One opportunity can completely change how a young person sees their future. I know because it happened for me.
My goal remains simple: building a better community. Public education is one of the most powerful ways we can do that.
On October 17, I hope to earn your support again.
Learn more or get involved at https://votehicksonsd73.com
Authorized by Taylor Bertoli, Financial Agent
