Board of Education

James Palanio is excited to be elected as one of your Okanagan Skaha school trustees. He is the proud father of two girls currently in the school district. James and his wife graduated from Penticton Secondary School. He has over a decade of board and governance experience including time on City of Penticton advisory committees. James is an avid runner and past Ironman Canada finisher, and currently enjoys spending his free time running the many trails around Penticton.

 

Shelley was first elected as Trustee in 2007, and was elected Board Chair in November, 2018. She has served as British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA) Provincial Councillor, Policy and Education Committee Chair in the past.

 

Barb looks forward to continuing to put her business, governance and community background to work as a second term Trustee. She is driven, organized, energetic and flexible. Between her board governance work and involvement with various committees and community organizations, Barb has developed a unique ability to listen to the sometimes conflicting needs of various parties; look for options that meet the best interests of the collective group; continue to create and maintain relationships and mindfully deliver solutions that work. School District No. 67 is known for its leadership in the province and Barb is excited to have the opportunity to work together as a team to make the best 'public education' decisions for our students.

 

Dave, a retired teacher, spent thirty years in the B.C. education system and twenty seven of those were at Summerland Secondary School instructing senior level courses like History, Law, Civics and Social Studies. In conjunction with a previous career in journalism, he brings a passion for community, democracy and good governance to the board. "Doing what's best for kids" is still his number one focus and, as a second-term trustee, he looks forward to the challenges ahead. Dave will continue to referee basketball and attend numerous school events.

 

 

Linda Van Alphen is honoured to serve as a Board of Education Trustee for School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) and to be able to renew her commitment to the students of this district for a sixth term. In the BC Public Education sector she has held leadership positions in the district, the BCSTA Thompson Okanagan Branch and at the Provincial level through the BC School Trustees' Association (BCSTA). In 2006 Ms. Van Alphen and her husband retired from business to a small diversified farm. She is proud to live in Summerland and believes strongly in giving back to the community. Ms. Van Alphen is a life-long learner and recently graduated from the Community Economic Development program at Simon Fraser University. She is a mother and grand-mother of five and spends as much spare time with her family as possible.

 

Tracy Van Raes is thrilled to have been elected as one of your Okanagan Skaha Board Trustees. She is a mother of 2 children, working full time in Penticton as a Marketing and Community Relations Manager, Tracy also has a long history of volunteerism in Penticton. She has served as PAC chair for 5 years at Carmi Elementary, is a proud Rotarian, past board member for the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce, SOVAS, Penticton Minor Ball and Habitat for Humanity. Tracy also served on 3 City Advisory Committees and Chairs the Transportation Advisory Committee. She also chairs the "Starfish Pack Program" which provides backpacks of food to children in need in our community every weekend of the school year.