I’m Leah Kelley and I’m running for School Trustee in Chilliwack because I believe every student deserves to feel safe, valued, respected, and supported at school.
I am an educator, parent, author, and advocate with a Doctorate in Education from Simon Fraser University. My work has focused on disability, inclusive education, neurodiversity, and helping schools better understand and support the students who arrive in our classrooms exactly as they are.
I have spent 30 years teaching in the Chilliwack School District. I have taught students from kindergarten through to the university level, and I have worked closely with students, families, educators, and community members across many different parts of public education. Throughout my career, I have worked to create student-centred learning environments where learners feel seen, respected, and supported.
To me, inclusion is not just a nice idea. It is a responsibility. It means making sure students have real access to opportunities. It means listening to families and educators. It means addressing barriers when they show up. And it means building schools where all children can belong.
Chilliwack is my community. I have been a teacher here. My children attended public school here. I am connected to our schools, and I care deeply about the students, families, and educators who make them what they are.
I know the system is complex. I know it may be imperfect. I also know that when we step up, listen carefully, and work together, we can take what Chilliwack is already doing well and make it even better.
I have been, and continue to be, a fierce advocate for students, teachers, and public education. Our schools should be places of safety, learning, and belonging for all children.
As School Trustee, I will work collaboratively to strengthen public education, support students and educators through responsible stewardship of resources, and uphold the values that make schools safe, inclusive, and inspiring places to learn.
I bring experience, care, and a deep understanding of the real complexity of education. I also bring humility. I know there will be lots to learn in the role of Trustee, but I also know I bring a lot to the table.
There is already good work happening in Chilliwack schools. I want to help build on that work.
The system may be imperfect, but we can keep improving it by showing up, working together, and staying focused on what students need to feel safe, supported, and able to succeed. I will bring a thoughtful, collaborative approach to the school board table. My focus will be on decisions that support students, strengthen public education, respect educators, and help families feel heard.
I have 30 years of teaching experience in the Chilliwack School District and have taught students from kindergarten through to university.
I am a parent, educator, author, and member of the City of Chilliwack’s Inclusion and Accessibility Advisory Committee.
My work is grounded in research and practice, with recognized expertise in disability, neurodiversity, and inclusive education.
Chilliwack schools are located in the heart of Stó:lō territory, surrounded by the Ts’elxweyeqw, Pilalt, and Sema:th communities. The Stó:lō people refer to this place as S’ólh Téméxw, meaning “our world.”
As a trustee, I believe reconciliation must be more than land acknowledgements at the beginning of a meeting. Reconciliation should shape how we make decisions, how we build relationships, and how we support Indigenous students and families.
The Chilliwack School District’s Strategic Plan is guided by Tómiyeqw, a Coast Salish philosophy that asks us to think about our responsibilities to seven generations past and seven generations future. That is exactly the kind of thinking public education needs.
Trustees have a responsibility to listen, learn, and act with care. That means respecting the role of the Indigenous Education Council, supporting Indigenous student success, strengthening relationships with local First Nations, and making sure Truth and Reconciliation is reflected in board decisions, not treated as a separate topic.
For me, this work means approaching the role with humility, accountability, and a willingness to keep learning. It means asking how each decision affects Indigenous students, families, rights, language, culture, and belonging. It means understanding that strong public schools must be rooted in respect for the land, the people, and the responsibilities that come with serving this community.
Respect Indigenous families, communities, Elders, and the Indigenous Education Council.
Keep deepening understanding of local history, rights, culture, and the ongoing impacts of colonialism in education.
Make board decisions that support Indigenous student success, belonging, language, culture, and self-determination
This campaign is about community. It is about bringing people in, encouraging one another, and showing that Chilliwack can choose leadership grounded in inclusion, justice, and care. You can help by sharing the campaign, talking to your neighbours, volunteering, or reaching out with your ideas and questions.
If you prefer to send me a message directly, or an e-Transfer for donation, please email: Leah@LeahMKelley.com
