Get to know our Board Chair, Jaclyn Miller!
Jaclyn grew up in Chilliwack and moved to Terrace in 2000 to work as an MCFD social worker. In 2004, she relocated to the qathet Region to continue in the same role. She still works with MCFD, now as a Team Leader, supervising the staff members that are responsible for investigations, support services, and long-term guardianship all the way through to adoption.
Jaclyn has a daughter in her second year at UVic and a son in Grade 11 at Brooks Secondary. She was elected to the qathet School Board in a by-election in 2021 and became Board Chair in 2023. When she’s not working, Jaclyn spends most of her spare time as a hockey mom down at the rink. Read more below!
Q: What made you run for Trustee?
A: “Throughout my kids’ time in school, I was involved in PAC and DPAC and loved every minute of it. I thought that being part of the school board would be a nice next step at a higher level.
In my day-to-day work, I work with vulnerable populations, so I felt I brought an important perspective to the role and would be able to bring the experiences of children and families who may have more challenges to the table. It was also a way to redirect and focus on my kids’ educational experience in a new way.
My kids have always appreciated my involvement with school, whether at the PAC level or as a Trustee. I’ve always felt they were happy to see me there, perhaps knowing I was doing it for them, and then proud when I was elected as a Trustee. It feels meaningful to me on a personal, professional, and community level.“
Q: What do you believe is most important for students to learn in today’s world?
A: “That school is just one chapter of success – one part of their lifetime experience. School absolutely helps set them up for success in life, but there is still so much more to come. So stay open to opportunities, participate in the community, learn how to navigate the educational system, and all of this will inform your future in its own unique way.“
Q: What would you like people to know about the role of a Trustee?
A: “The role of a Trustee is to ensure that policies are in place so the administrative team can do their job effectively.
I certainly had more appreciation for this after starting as a Trustee, and I think it can sometimes still be a bit unclear for the public. Trustees take a global viewpoint and do not get involved in day-to-day operations unless something isn’t working and there is an appeal.
We work with the Superintendent in complementary ways; we all want the same thing but have different roles to achieve it. The Board hires a capable person into the role, and through respect and accountability, we maintain a positive working relationship that results in the best interests for staff and students.”
Q: Is there anything in the district that you really look forward to each year?
A: “I love being a part of our school community. Anyone who knows me knows that I love Christmas, so being able to watch the holiday concerts every year is always a highlight.
I also love the Everyone Deserves a Smile (EDAS) program and how it brings together several of our schools to give back to our community.
I must confess that I also get a little emotional at grad each year, with the excitement of watching these kids acknowledge their accomplishments and open a new chapter in their lives!“