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The Valley Roundup: Trans trustee Westerby speaks on future of school boards

A press photo of Teri Westerby at a PRIDE event in Chilliwack posing with a member of the Chilliwack PRIDE society
Teri Westerby at Chilliwack Pride event. Photo courtesy of Teri Westerby's website.
Stephen Munga - CIVL - Abbotsford • BC | 01-03-2023
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School Board Trustee Teri Westerby was elected as the first openly trans man in Canada

In October, the Chilliwack community voted for and elected Westerby as the newest member of the school board trustees. Westerby, who was hesitant about running, was grateful for the support he received from the Chilliwack and LGBTQ2IAS+ communities.

Westerby is a part of various committees in his work as a trustee, including Education Policy Advisory and Advisory Committee for Inclusive Education. He is also the liaison trustee for Chilliwack schools Sardis Secondary, AD Rundle Middle, Strathcona Elementary, and Promontory Elementary.

Abbotsford school district (SD 34) released its Measuring Up report on Feb.14 at the board's public meeting. The report outlines the past year's achievements and their vision to make classrooms more accessible, engaging, and safe for all students. The report does not mention the LGBTQ2IAS+ community specifically and how they plan to make schools more inclusive, Westerby confirmed.

CIVL spoke to Westerby about the election, SD34's measure-up report, and inclusion in school boards. Listen below for the full interview:

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