For Maple Ridge trustee
• Name: Mike Murray.
• Residence: Maple Ridge, in the Laityview area.
• Occupation/education: undergraduate degree from UBC; retired general manager of community development, parks and recreation for Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows; chair of the Board of Education from 2011 to present.
• Volunteer work: arts council, North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association, Salvation Army Community Council and Ridge Meadows Education Foundation, Parks and Leisure Services Commission, Haney Rotary Club, Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation.
Question: Please provide an example of what you have done that qualifies you for school board.
Answer: I have been a trustee for one term and elected to the position of chair for the past three years. I have 40 years of non-profit board experience and served for 36 years as a senior administrator advising municipal councils and commissions on policy and strategic planning.
Q: Why are you running for trustee?
A: To ensure implementation of the district’s recently adopted strategic plans; advocating for more resources and better co-governance with the province.
Q: What makes you stand out from other candidates?
A: I’ve brought considerable governance experience to the board and a community perspective derived from years of involvement with several organizations. I’m an independent candidate. I’ve neither sought nor accepted union or other donations during this or the last election.
Q: How do you see the school district changing in the next 10 years?
A: Student achievement rivaling that of any jurisdiction in the world; greater sustainability and more stable funding; improved co-governance relationship with the provincial government, including greater local influence on provincial decision-making; full implementation of effective and efficient strategic and facilities plans.
Q: What will be your top priority if elected to school board?
A: To strive for even greater levels of student achievement by supporting implementation of the strategic plan; obtaining the necessary resources to ensure that can happen; press government for answers to our questions.