Cendra Beaton on VoteMate

My policies are driven by three questions: Does this meet a community need? Does it strengthen our district? Does it improve student outcomes? I believe in strong governance, evidence-based decisions and advocating for positive change, always with students at the centre.

Biography

submitted by the candidate or their team

Incumbent trustee focused on strong governance, thoughtful decisions and student success. Parent who raised my kids in SD62, military spouse, Rotary member, financial administrator and passionate education advocate with broad governance experience.

I bring proven Board experience, strong governance and a collaborative approach to decision-making, with students at the centre. I’m committed to building on SD62’s progress, planning responsibly for growth and advocating for the students, staff and communities we serve.

TRUSTEE EXPERIENCE:

• Board Chair

• Vice Chair

• Chaired Committees: Education Policy, Resources, Audit, Personnel, Board Renewal.

• Committee Member: Resource Committee, Regional Motion Building Committee.

• Board Representative: BC Public School Employers Association, French Advisory Committee, Village Initiative, Victoria Family & Youth Justice Committee.

SD62 EDUCATION ADVOCATE SINCE 2014

PREVIOUS ADVOCACY & GOVERNANCE EXPERIENCE:

• President, Strata

• District PAC President (SPEAC)

• President, Canadian Parents for French (CPF) Sooke Chapter

• Provincial Director, CPF BC & YK, National Strategic Planning Committee

• Testified on a Senate of Canada Standing Committee resulting in increased awareness on the state of education in BC.

I have authored motions supporting stronger governance, student success and district accountability.

My record includes advocating for fully funded and furnished space remediation to address the immediate growth in the district, working to strengthen student inclusion, early intervention support, mental health support, childcare programs, relationships with the Indigenous Education Council, and reconciliation.

I've raised both of my children in SD62; one has recently graduated. As a French-English bilingual parent, education advocate and financial administrator, I bring both lived experience and a strong governance focus to the Board table.

*Authorized by: Cendra Beaton, cendra.beaton@gmail.com

Reason for running

submitted by the candidate or their team

My reason is simple: I care deeply about SD62. I’ve spent years advocating for our students, staff and the greater good of our district, and my record reflects that commitment. I’m running to continue that work on your behalf.

Our district has experienced significant growth, and while that growth is beginning to stabilize, we are still facing the pressures created by years of rapid expansion. We need experienced trustees who understand the complexities of public education, the governance role, and the importance of making thoughtful, responsible decisions for the long term.

Serving as a trustee is a great honour, but it also comes with tremendous responsibility and commitment. Over the past four years, I have worked hard to come prepared, stay informed, ask questions, listen to different perspectives and contribute constructively to the work of the Board.

I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves or author motions when I see an opportunity to make a positive difference. I have worked with fellow trustees, staff, education partners and our community to advocate for student success, responsible growth, strong governance and a sustainable future for SD62.

There is still important work ahead. I’m ready to continue that work, build on the progress we’ve made and bring the experience I’ve gained at the Board table into the next term.