Tahni Fortin (Lumby + Areas D & E)

2026 Election Candidate

What measurable outcomes would define success for you after one term?

After one term, I would define success as seeing students developing stronger literacy and numeracy skills, as well as reporting feeling safe, supported and connected at school. I would want teachers to feel they have the resources and support they need, and families to feel informed.

For me, success would mean looking at both the data and listening to feedback from students, families and educators to see whether the decisions we are making are actually improving outcomes for students.

What do you see as the top three challenges currently facing the school district?

The biggest challenge I see is ensuring the district has the funding and resources needed to support students and staff. Other major challenges are meeting the diverse needs of students and strengthening student achievement.

When resources are limited, it is harder to provide staffing, programs and supports that students and educators need. I think that finding ways to make the best use of the resources we have, while advocating for the funding we need, will continue to be an important part of the board's work.

What are your top priorities for improving student achievement?

My top priorities would be improving student literacy and numeracy skills. I believe making sure teachers have the resources and support they need, while also identifying where students need extra help, is key to improving outcomes.

As a trustee, I would want to hear from educators and work with the Teachers’ Association to understand what they are seeing in the classroom. I would bring that information into board discussions about resources, supports and priorities, alongside student achievement data, and look at whether the decisions we make are actually helping students.

What are your priorities for school facilities (e.g., aging infrastructure, overcrowding, environmental upgrades)?

My priority would be to ensure that facilities are safe and well maintained for both students and staff. I don't have enough information at this point to comment much more on this however, as a trustee, I would want to understand the condition/needs of our schools, listen to the people who are using them, and make informed decisions based on safety and available resources.

How would you like to see climate action prioritized at the governance level so that it guides decisions around infrastructure, operations, and student learning?

I think climate action should be part of how we plan for the future. Here in the North Okanagan, things like the risk of wildfires and yearly water restrictions are very real concerns for our communities and schools. I would want the district to consider this when making decisions about infrastructure, and operations, while also being mindful of costs and other student needs.

I would also like students to continue to have opportunities to learn about environmental issues and how they affect our community and the world as a whole.

How will you monitor and improve progress toward safe, caring, and inclusive schools?

I would want to look at the district provided data, but also hear about the experiences from students, families, teachers and staff. I think it's important to understand not only what the numbers tell us, but whether people feel things are working well and where there are gaps.

As a trustee, I would bring that information into board discussions and support policies, resources and priorities that help create schools where every student feels safe, included and supported. I would also want to make sure we are continuing to monitor whether the steps we take are actually making a difference.

What specific actions would you prioritize to support Indigenous student success and reconciliation?

My priority would be ensuring that Indigenous students have the support and opportunities they need to succeed. I would specifically want to understand from Indigenous students, families, educators and local Indigenous communities where they see gaps and what they feel would make the biggest difference, while respecting the district's existing relationships and processes.

As a trustee, my role would be to bring that perspective to the board and consider it when making decisions. I would also look at the available data to understand where students are doing well and where more support may be needed, keeping a strong focus on positive outcomes for Indigenous students.

How would you handle controversial issues and/or competing interests?

I would start by listening carefully to the different perspectives and doing my best to make sure people feel heard, even if I don’t agree with them. I’d ask questions to gain understanding, look at the information we have, and think about how the decision could affect students and the district.

I know there will be times when people disagree with a decision I’m part of. I won’t always be able to make everyone happy, but I would want people to know that I listened, considered their concerns, and worked with the rest of the board to make the decision I felt was right for our students.

How will you engage meaningfully with parents, caregivers, and the broader community?

Communication is really important to me. I want parents, caregivers and the broader community to feel like they know what’s happening and have a way to share their concerns, questions and ideas.

As a trustee, I would make it a priority to stay connected with PACs, DPAC and community groups, and make myself available through things like community meetings, email and social media. I would bring those perspectives into board discussions and, just as importantly, make an effort to communicate back about what the board is doing and why. I think people are more likely to feel confident in the district when they feel informed and heard.