Rod Taylor, Candidate School Trustee
SD #54 (Telkwa and Quick)
“Young people deserve the very best education possible. I want to ensure that students in SD #54 are receiving the academic training they need to be successful in life and to achieve at the highest levels. That’s why I’m running.”
Rod Taylor
School District #54 covers seven public schools in Witset, Smithers, Telkwa and Houston. There are seven Trustees on the Board. I am running to represent Telkwa and Quick.
The Role of Parents
Parents are the first and primary educators of their own children in basic life skills and moral guidance. They provide food, clothing and a secure and loving home environment. They must be kept fully informed about what their children are being taught. There should be a high level of partnership and trust between students, parents and teachers.
Education, not Indoctrination
Learning new information and new skills is a lifetime process. It begins even in the womb and continues on into old age. Formal education in the school system is a part of that process. Students should be taught how to think, not what to think. Those who acquire strong reading and critical thinking skills will keep learning long after graduation. Cultural indoctrination has no place in public education.
Strong Academics
In recent years, politically-correct ideology has sometimes taken the place of traditional course content. Parents want their children to acquire skills in reading, writing and mathematics. Students need to learn the basics of science, history, geography and literature. Schools should focus on academics, not worldview ideology.
Tests as a Measure of Progress
Testing students to determine how much of the material they have learned and understood is important. Tests can show where a student may need help and whether the curriculum and teaching methods are accomplishing their purpose. Tests and a formal system of grading help parents know if their children are absorbing the knowledge they will need to succeed as adults. Tests provide a way for parents and taxpayers to measure progress.
Privacy and Student Safety
All human beings—and especially children—deserve respect and protection from bullying and from all forms of abuse—physical, mental or emotional. Schools must be free of pornography. All students deserve privacy in washrooms and change rooms. There should be no tolerance for violence or intimidation against any students, teachers or staff. Parents must be notified of any incident involving their children.
Balancing the Budget
I want to express my appreciation for the work of the previous Board and Superintendent for managing the finances of SD #54 and maintaining a balanced budget. If I am elected as the Trustee representing Telkwa and Quick, I will continue to support balancing the budget.
Voting Day: October 17, 2026 - 8 AM to 8 PM
Advanced Poll: October 7, 2026 - 8 AM to 8 PM
Location: Telkwa Community Hall
1390 Birch Street
Telkwa BC, Canada