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Elect

Katie Bartel

For Chilliwack School Trustee

Safe Schools - Strong Supports - Real Partnerships

Every Student Belongs, Every Voice Matters.

Advocacy into Action

I’m a mom who learned how to navigate the education system by supporting my own three children. I know what it feels like to sit in hard meetings, ask for help and try to make sure your child is seen, understood and supported.

I met many other families who but felt overwhelmed, unsure where to turn, or unheard by the system, just like me. That is what first pushed me to step up and get involved in the Chilliwack School District.

For over a decade, I have supported parents through difficult conversations, advocated for safer and more inclusive schools, and worked to improve outcomes for students and families. I believe public education works best when families are heard, students and staff are supported, and problems are met with practical action.

I’m stepping forward as a candidate for Chilliwack School Board Trustee because families need trustees who can listen with compassion, understand how the system works, and help move concerns toward real solutions.

Education is the best way to shape the future and I am ready to do the work to make sure every child has a place in it.

CTA Survey

DPAC Survey

CUPE Survey

Trustee Forum

How and Where to Vote

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My Priorities

I’m running because Chilliwack families deserve trustees who understand the system, care about the people in it, and know how to turn advocacy into action.

Safe Schools

Students cannot learn and teachers cannot teach if they do not feel safe. Families and educators deserve schools where students are supported, valued, respected, and feel safe and ready to learn.

Strong Supports

Every student deserves the support they need to learn, participate, and truly feel like they belong at school. Teachers and staff deserve the support they need to help students succeed.

Real Partnerships

Strong public schools are built through strong relationships, open communication, and real partnerships between families, educators, rights-holders and community partners. Schools work best when we work together to support students.

Proven Advocacy

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  • First-of-its-kind support
    Helped create BC’s first district-funded pilot for EA support in extracurricular activities, right here in Chilliwack.

  • District & Provincial parent voice
    Served as Chair of Chilliwack DPAC for many years and currently serving as Secretary of BCCPAC, representing parents locally and provincially.

  • Parent advocacy experience
    Supported families through school meetings, IEPs, transitions, and advocacy processes across the district and province.

  • Cooler, safer classrooms
    Helped secure district-funded air conditioning in every school portable across Chilliwack.

  • Accessibility and inclusion work
    Contributed to the City of Chilliwack Accessibility and Inclusion Advisory Committee and the development of its Accessibility and Inclusion Plan.

  • Relationship-building
    Worked with families, district staff, and community partners to strengthen trust, communication, and elevate parent involvement in public education.

I came to this work as a parent who needed the system to work better. I learned it, challenged it, and kept showing up to help make it better for other families too.

For years, I’ve advocated for students, families, and public education in Chilliwack and across BC. Now, I’m stepping forward as a trustee candidate to bring that experience to the board table.

  • "Katie stepped in with determination and compassion. She stood by my side at school meetings, helped me effectively advocate for my son, and ensured my voice as a parent was heard."

    —Lindsey

  • "I have had the privilege of having Katie sit by my side, encouraging me, holding me up and not allowing people “higher-up” to push me down or silence me."

    —Agnieszka

  • "Katie is not hesitant to hold people accountable to their actions and demands equality for all children. And she does this with finesse, poise and integrity."

    —Karine

  • “When we felt overwhelmed and didn’t know where to turn, Katie showed up. She helped us navigate the process, ask the right questions, and advocate for our child with confidence.”

    —Ryan

Donate 

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Let’s Build Strong Schools Together

If you have ever sat at a school meeting hoping someone would listen, wondered how to get your child the support they need, or wished families were seen as true partners in public education, this campaign is for you.

Let’s turn advocacy in to action, together. I would be honoured to have your support.