Name: Freddy Latham
Education: Bachelor of Education (UBC) Majors in English/Theatre
Diplomas in ESL & Counselling
Occupation: Artistic Director, Abbotsford Children’s Theatre
Retired educator
Previous Political Experience: None as an elected official.
Residency: Abbotsford
Community Involvement: Chair, Parks, Recreation & Culture Commission (City of Abbotsford)
Member, Arts & Heritage Advisory Committee (City of Abbotsford)
Canada Day Committee Member
Facilitator for joint project (The Reach Gallery Museum, MSA Museum & Abbotsford Children’s Theatre)
“We All Have A Story To Tell” stories of immigrants in Abbotsford.
Ceremonies Chair, 2008 Special Olympics; 2004 BC Summer Games; 2002 Disability Games & 1995 Western Canada Summer Games.
Marital status/children: Married with 2 grown children.
Email: Personal ujest@telus.net
Campaign: www.FreddyLatham.ca FreddyLatham4Trustee@telus.net
Campaign Issues:
1)Advocating for support of Public Education.
As a Board of Education Trustee I would be visible, approachable and more vocal in advocating for the needs of all children. I would encourage more organizations & community members to partner with the school district to enhance existing programs and develop new ones. I would listen and support teachers, administrators and support staff to develop better relationships with them. I would build stronger partnerships with City Council so we can work together for the benefit of school community. In my current role as Chair of Parks, Recreation and Culture I have worked successfully with Trustees, Council members and Public representatives and bring that leadership experience to the Board of Education.
2)Insufficient funding to meet the needs of all students. Class size compounded with increasing numbers of designated and undesignated students is an ongoing issue in our schools.
I would work collaboratively with local and Provincial Trustees on this issue as I believe the children of BC deserve funding equal to the rest of Canada. Gaining support from the Provincial Government is critical and I would be lobbying for support of more funding for Public Education. I believe the role of the Trustees is to ensure that the learning needs of all children in public school are being met. It is only with the highest level of co-operation that we can maximize and enhance the limited resources provided to help our children achieve their goals.