An Oliver mother who was instrumental in saving Tuc-el-Nuit Elementary from potential closure in 2011 is running for school trustee in November.
Rachel Allenbrand has been a resident of Oliver for the past 24 years (most of her life). She graduated from Southern Okanagan Secondary School and currently has three boys enrolled at Tuc-El-Nuit.
From 2001 to 2011, she owned a local business providing cakes and catering to the South Okanagan
Allenbrand has been a member of South Okanagan Toastmasters for 10 years and president for the last four years. She is an active member of the Oliver Ambassadors committee as a speech coach.
Allenbrand is also a trained Roots of Empathy instructor and has been involved with the program in local schools for the past seven years.
In addition, she is a member of her school’s Parents Advisory Council.
Perhaps her most passionate involvement was being lead chair of a special parent committee known as Save Oliver Schools (SOS). This was formed in 2011 to keep Tuc-el-Nuit from closing its doors during School District 53 budget talks.
“I believe firmly in providing my children with a good, well-rounded education and supporting the local school district, teachers, and board members.”
As a result of her commitment as a parent, last year she was asked to attend local meetings to give input in the revamping of schools by developing a current district mission statement and vision.
“I am pleased that the result of this lengthy but productive process solidified the need for our district to provide a relevant learning experience for our children in a safe, caring, and inclusive environment.”
Allenbrand said there is a need to promote and inspire personal excellence, and to foster innovation and technology to prepare youth to succeed in the future.
“Being a part of this collaboration and having a voice was an opportunity for me have a better understanding of where our schools currently are at, and more importantly, what we, as collective shareholders, want education to look like in the future.”
Allenbrand supports the goal to improve student achievement through community engagement.
The mother believes she would be an asset to School District 53 because of her past involvement, her commitment to youth activities, and her communications skills.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
