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Raj Patara

Independent for Abbotsford School Board
Every policy begins with the same question, what is in the best interest of students.

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Schools & Public Education

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Bullying & Bigotry

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Every Student deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued at school.
Advocate for safe and welcoming learning environments.
Support mental health and well-being for all students.
Promote inclusive schools where every child feels a sense of belonging.

Indigenous Schooling

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I believe every student should learn in an environment where they feel respected, valued, and connected to their community. Indigenous education is an important part of that commitment.
As a trustee, I would support strong relationships and partnerships with local Indigenous communities and leaders.
Culturally safe and welcoming learning environments for Indigenous students and families.
Opportunities for students to learn about Indigenous cultures, history, and perspectives.
Efforts to improve educational outcomes and graduation rates for Indigenous learners.
Ongoing professional learning for staff to support reconciliation and culturally responsive education.

Media Literacy & Critical Thinking

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I support helping students develop the critical thinking skills needed to evaluate information, ask questions, consider different perspectives, and make informed decisions.

Neurodivergent Students & Support

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I will support efforts that, reduce barriers to assessments and services, strengthen intervention strategies and help families navigate available resources and supports.
foster acceptance and understanding, accommodate different learning styles, promote dignity, respect, and inclusion and help students build confidence and independence.
Parents know their children best, I will work to ensure families have meaningful opportunities to share feedback, participate in support planning, be respected as partners in their child's education.
I support ongoing professional learning and collaboration so staff have the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to support diverse learners effectively.
I support planning that helps students and families feel prepared and supported throughout their educational journey.
As a trustee, I will advocate for a school system where neurodivergent students are not simply accommodated but valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Police in Schools

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As a trustee, I would not begin with a predetermined outcome. I would begin by listening.
every student should feel safe, included, and supported, and I would listen carefully to students, families, staff, and community partners before making any decision on police involvement in schools

Student Involvement & Engagement

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I support regular opportunities for student feedback.
Strong student leadership and student council programs.
Student representation in discussions that affect their learning and well-being.
Meaningful engagement, not just consultation.

Public Safety & Policing

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Police in Schools

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As a trustee, I would not begin with a predetermined outcome. I would begin by listening.
every student should feel safe, included, and supported, and I would listen carefully to students, families, staff, and community partners before making any decision on police involvement in schools

Reconciliation & Indigenous Nations

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Indigenous Schooling

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I believe every student should learn in an environment where they feel respected, valued, and connected to their community. Indigenous education is an important part of that commitment.
As a trustee, I would support strong relationships and partnerships with local Indigenous communities and leaders.
Culturally safe and welcoming learning environments for Indigenous students and families.
Opportunities for students to learn about Indigenous cultures, history, and perspectives.
Efforts to improve educational outcomes and graduation rates for Indigenous learners.
Ongoing professional learning for staff to support reconciliation and culturally responsive education.

Top three issues

Schools & Public Education
Local Government & Democracy
Mental Health, Drugs, & Addiction

Biography

submitted by the candidate or their team
Raj Patara is a parent, community leader, non-profit executive, and advocate who is committed to helping every student succeed.

With more than 15 years of experience in non-profit leadership, health care advocacy, government relations, and small business ownership, Raj has dedicated her career to bringing people together, building strong partnerships, and creating positive change in the communities she serves.

Raj currently works as a Senior Development Officer with Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), where she works closely with families, community leaders, businesses, and donors to advance life-changing research and support for those living with type 1 diabetes. Her work has strengthened her ability to listen, collaborate, and advocate for the needs of families across British Columbia.

A lifelong volunteer, Raj has served as President and Director of the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce, received the President's Award from the Abbotsford Matsqui Rotary Club on two occasions, and was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow for her commitment to community service. She has also been actively involved in her daughter's school Parent Advisory Council and numerous local initiatives supporting families and youth.

As a parent of a child in the Abbotsford School District, Raj understands firsthand the hopes and concerns that families have for their children. Her daughter, Micah, attended École Centennial Park Elementary and is now a student at Chief Dan George Middle School. These experiences have given Raj a deep appreciation for the educators, support staff, and volunteers who help students thrive.

Raj is running for School Board Trustee because she believes students deserve safe and inclusive schools, strong literacy and numeracy outcomes, meaningful opportunities to succeed, and a school district that is accountable to families and taxpayers. She is committed to listening to parents, supporting student well-being, and ensuring that every decision is guided by what is in the best interests of students.

A proud Abbotsford resident, Raj believes strong schools build strong communities and is committed to helping shape a bright future for all students.

Key Priorities

  1. Student Well-Being, Safety & Inclusion
  2. Raising the Bar in Literacy & Numeracy
  3. Strong Community Voice & Parent Engagement
  4. Accountability & Transparency

www.Patara4Trustee.ca

Putting Students First. Strengthening Our Schools. Building Community Together.

See Raj Patara's election promises

Reason for running

submitted by the candidate or their team
I am running for School Board Trustee because I care deeply about the future of our children and our community.

As a parent, I have watched my daughter grow and learn in Abbotsford schools. Like every parent, I want our children to feel safe, supported, included, and prepared for whatever path they choose in life. Our schools play a vital role in shaping that future, and I believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed.

Over the past 15 years, I have worked in non-profit leadership, health care advocacy, small business, and community service. Throughout my career, I have brought people together, built partnerships, listened to diverse perspectives, and focused on finding practical solutions. I want to bring those same skills to the school board.

I am running because I believe our schools should focus on strong literacy and numeracy outcomes, student well-being, safe and inclusive learning environments, and meaningful engagement with parents and the community. Families deserve a voice, students deserve support, and taxpayers deserve accountability and transparency.

As a trustee, I will approach every decision with one question in mind: "What is in the best interest of students?"

Abbotsford is a growing and diverse community, and I believe we are strongest when we work together. I want to be a trustee who listens, collaborates, and helps ensure our schools continue to provide opportunities for every child to learn, grow, and thrive.

This is not about politics. It's about students, families, and the future of Abbotsford.

That's why I'm running for School Board Trustee.


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www.patara4trustee.ca