Радж Патара объявила о своей кандидатуре на пост доверенного лица школьного совета в Абботсфорде

Community advocate Raj Patara enters Abbotsford school trustee race Published 10:00 am Monday, July 6, 2026 Raj Patara, a former president and director of the Mission Chamber of Commerce and a two-time President’s Award winner with the Abbotsford Matsqui Rotary Club, has announced her entry into the Abbotsford school trustee race. Patara has more than 15 years of experience in health care, non-profit leadership, small business ownership, and government relations. She stated that building those partnerships and working with leaders at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels will help her as a trustee. She is also an Abbotsford parent, with her daughter starting at Chief Dan George Middle School in the fall. Patara previously served on the Parent Advisory Council at Clearbrook Elementary School and said that experience has given her a look into the local challenges and opportunities for students, parents and educators. “As a parent, I understand the trust families place in our schools every day,” she said. “When parents send their children to school, they expect a safe environment, strong academics, and caring adults who will help them reach their full potential. That trust must be earned and protected.” Patara ran for Abbotsford school trustee in 2018 and placed 12th with 7,860 votes. “My desire to serve as a trustee didn’t begin this year,” she said. “I put my name forward in 2018 because I believed then –as I do now – that strong schools are the foundation of a strong community.” Patara has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Mount Royal University in Calgary and most recently has worked with Breakthrough T1D – a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people living with Type 1 diabetes. She has built relationships with families, volunteers, donors, community leaders and corporate partners while raising funds for life-changing research and support programs. “Throughout my career, I’ve worked with leaders across municipal, provincial, and federal governments to build relationships, find solutions, and advocate for the communities we serve,” Patara said. “Those experiences have taught me the importance of collaboration, accountability, and listening to the people affected by decisions.” Patara believes the school board must remain focused on academic achievement, responsible governance, parental engagement, and planning for growth. “I know the decisions we make today will shape the opportunities available to students tomorrow,” she said. “I want every family to feel confident that their school board is focused on academic excellence, responsible governance, student well-being and meaningful engagement with parents and the community. This campaign is about ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed, every parent has a voice, and every family can have confidence in our education system. I am running because I care deeply about our students, our educators, and the future of our community. Strong schools create strong families, strong neighbourhoods and a strong Abbotsford.” For more information on her campaign, visit patara4trustee.ca.