I am very grateful to the following people for their support of my work as
School Trustee over the last 11 years.
Endorsements 2022:
Congratulations on putting your name forward for re-election to the North Vancouver School District Board of Trustees. I have known you for over a decade and have always admired your commitment to high quality public education for all students. Your advocacy for the most vulnerable special needs children of all ages is of course unparalleled.
As the former Secretary Treasurer of the North Vancouver School District, I understand how important it is to have engaged community members as school trustees. School Trustees not only oversee the work of the school district but also provide an important link between the City and District Councils, the provincial government, school district educators, and the community. You are that very engaged community member, a careful listener and always open to hearing concerns raised by your constituents, as well as the various stakeholders.
I wish you great success in the upcoming election so that you can continue being a great asset to the School District and the community.
– Dr. Irene Young, MBA, EdD, Campus Dean and Executive Director, New York Institute of Technology Vancouver
As someone who was born and raised in North Vancouver, now with a child of my own in the North Vancouver School District, I have watched every Board meeting over the past five years and can attest to Trustee Gerlach’s commitment to inclusion and equity for all children in the NVSD. Trustee Gerlach is compassionate and informed on the various issues and concerns within our community and school district. I have witnessed Mrs. Gerlach ask the difficult questions and push the progressive motions that have contributed to the positive development within this school district. Trustee Gerlach is an honest, candid, and forthright candidate who has more than earned my vote over the years. I fully stand behind a Trustee who is willing to risk speaking out and standing up in a public setting, rather than a trustee that says nothing in a public board meeting out of fear of saying the wrong thing and only speaks behind closed doors.
– Chris Lee, Director of Culinary Chalmers Foundation, Parent
I’m thrilled to put my full support behind Cyndi Gerlach. She is a great Trustee, and works tirelessly to serve our community. Her vast experience, admirable dedication, and well-rounded knowledge make her the perfect candidate for School Trustee.
She has the qualities and demeanor to fully represent the DNV’s community members at the School Board Table. We need her there for another four years. She has my vote.
– Linda Williams, DNV community member
Cyndi Gerlach understands the importance of a safe and inclusive education system. As the mom of a child with a physical disability and complex learning needs, I found navigating the school system challenging. I was unsure of how to secure the resources my child needed to succeed. Cyndi understood the unique needs of our family and through her guidance helped give me the tools I needed to advocate for my child and other kids like him.
A truly inclusive school system supports families, children and the people that work in our schools. Cyndi’s years of experience as a school trustee and her commitment to training and resources for staff are critical to ensure our schools continue to make positive changes for both staff and students.
Cyndi’s dedication to families, students and staff of the North Shore School District is inspiring and I fully support Cyndi Gerlach in re-election as school trustee in SD44.
– Rita Vilensky, North Shore Parent
Cyndi Gerlach began her journey as School Trustee in 2011 with an incredible passion to bring unheard voices to the attention of the Board of Education – the voices of all students, parents, and teachers, and especially of those who face challenges in our system. Cyndi has met her initial goals and then some, bringing visibility to previously unacknowledged students and their families and working tirelessly to ensure supportive policies are firmly in place to address families’ concerns.
Now Cyndi is broadening her focus, bringing new awareness to deeper issues that underlie the more obvious struggles many of our students face. By shining a light on often hidden factors such as ableism, and developing powerful solutions and policies to support our teachers in addressing these factors, Cyndi will continue to create positive space for our School Board to expand their supports for our families and teachers in new and much needed ways. I trust Cyndi and am proud to call her my friend. I appreciate her ongoing dedication to her position as School Trustee. And I admire her determination to continue to bring difficult but necessary conversations to the table on behalf of our students, parents, and school staff. I look forward to voting for Cyndi Gerlach on October 15th!
– Jan Ingram, Parent
As parents of two boys who recently went through the North Vancouver school system, it is without hesitation that we recommend Cyndi Gerlach for School Board Trustee. She has consistently proven herself to be a very dedicated, passionate, and determined individual who consistently and tirelessly fights for the children of North Vancouver. She leads with quiet strength and often provides a different perspective and voice to the School Board, and that perspective is increasingly necessary in our diverse community.
– Lisa and Todd Dea, Parents
Endorsements 2018:
Cyndi is passionate about advocating for and speaking up for students with special needs, Indigenous Students, and students who need a voice. She is honest, caring, and thoughtful. Cyndi never hesitates to ask the tough questions to gain a deeper understanding of the issues while she critically and creatively thinks about what is best for student learning in BC public education. She’s has a clear understanding of governance and process. It was my deepest pleasure working with Cyndi during my years as a BC school trustee. I put my full confidence in Cyndi and support her in her re-election as school trustee in SD44.
– Christine Younghusband, EdD @ChristineYH
I have known Cyndi Gerlach for over 16 years; we met when our children were just diagnosed with autism. I admired her dedication to learning everything about the system the children were about to enter. She taught me a lot about children’s rights and the School Act, something all parents should know. She is dedicated to making a difference and changing antiquated ideas with regard to learning and especially helping those who learn differently. Over her terms of being a School Trustee, I realized how committed she was to serving her community. She serves on several committees and really takes being in that position seriously. When we get together to chat her passion in this area is evident. She is someone who truly cares about the kids first. When my children first entered the system, I knew nothing about the inner workings of that system, much like most parents. She taught me to pay attention and to be interested in what was going on. Now that my children are adults, I reflect back on the whole experience and appreciate that she was a trustee for much of that time, as she was one who really did care about the children, not just the politics.
– Pat Love, Parent, Realtor
Cyndi has been a proven advocate for our families, always accessible and happy to share her knowledge about our school communities. Cyndi has worked tirelessly to create inclusive and safe environments for children at school, work that is often behind the scenes but has touched the lives of many.
– Mel Montgomery, Parent
Cyndi Gerlach has been a tremendous and invaluable support for my family. Her guidance this past year empowered us to successfully navigate the school system while also reassuring us in the validity of our concern. Cyndi’s experience and advocacy helped to positively reconcile an inconsistency in the system which ultimately led to a more significant impact beyond the parties involved. I found her calm and assertive communication style lent a perfect balance with her authentic and empathic nature, which I believe is what makes her a solid choice in the role of trustee.
– Cathy Turk, Parent
I have known Cyndi for well over a decade through my work as a behaviour consultant and resource teacher. She has consistently demonstrated the knowledge that our school systems need to support their teachers, support staff and administrators to be able to provide the range of opportunities needed to allow all students to learn. Cyndi has worked closely with educational, parent, community and government groups to ensure that she understands current issues.
I believe that Cyndi has also shown she has the ability to combine her compassion for families and desire to support teachers with the need to make sound fiscal decisions, not an easy task. Her continuing desire to ensure that all children have access to a quality, effective public education makes her a natural choice to continue to guide the North Vancouver School District as a school trustee.– Jan Palmer, MEd, BCBA
I have known Cyndi for over 10 years. I am an Education Assistant, and worked in the North Vancouver School District with two of Cyndi’s sons who have Autism. Cyndi is a strong advocate for both of her sons, and she also is also extremely dedicated to helping others, advocating for all students who need assistance. Cyndi is dedicated in ensuring positive changes are made within our school system and in our community to help support students, families, and all staff members. She makes sure everyone is focused on the needs of every individual being supported while still providing support for the whole family of that student. Cyndi has had a positive impact on my learning and knowledge when it comes to Autism and supporting individuals with a variety of learning disabilities. I highly recommend re-electing Cyndi to help her support your children as they navigate through the school system.
– Andrea Standerwick, Education Assistant; NVSD 2011-2017
I have had the pleasure knowing Cyndi since we met in the Infant Development program when our children were babies. Now they are adults, so we have known each other for many years. One of my sons was born with Down Syndrome, and my oldest is a complex learner. Together, Cyndi and I have experienced all sides of life’s equations, from dealing with school systems, working with the First Nations side of inclusiveness, dealing with medical issues and community involvement, facing a lack of supports, and navigating the challenge of accessing resources at all levels. Cyndi’s tenacity, willingness to learn from the many committees and boards she works with, her ability to think ‘outside the box,‘ and her extensive volunteering all shows how she gives her very best to everyone! As a community we are so very fortunate to have Cyndi as our school trustee. Cyndi brings a voice to the many parents and children that need one. I support re-electing Cyndi as she’s truly passionate, knowledgeable, and works hard for us all.
– Lisa Clarke, Parent
I have known Cyndi for 6 years. My first introduction to Cyndi was not related to the North Vancouver School District. I just so happen to be Cyndi’s neighbour; her family lives down the block from our family. Early on, we had met each other casually, and I already knew Cyndi to be friendly, outgoing, and happy to help others. Then, about three years ago, my mom had a heart attack and an ambulance arrived, lights flashing, at our door. Cyndi immediately came down the street, concerned that something had happened to our kids, and offering to help us in any way she could. I was so impressed that day by her willingness to drop everything and run to the aid of someone that she didn’t even know really well! What more could you ask for in a neighbour?
Since then, I have chatted with Cyndi many times, and I know how passionate she is about helping others and how deeply she cares about the children and families in our community. Cyndi’s natural instinct is to always help others! And while it’s easy to be jaded in this day and age – where politicians will tell you whatever they think you want to hear – Cyndi is the real deal. She will tell you what she genuinely believes is right, and when Cyndi says something, she means it. And if she believes you need her help, Cyndi will be there. And that is someone worth voting for!
– Victoria O’Connor
You have always had my vote in elections past, and I have always sought out your perspective when considering other quality candidates. Your attendance at the April 2018 North Vancouver District Council meeting about Inter River’s two-field option has always resonated with me, confirming your careful attention to community matters outside of your ‘Cyndi Gerlach, Trustee, District of North Vancouver’ duties. Well done – the people and families of North Vancouver are fortunate to have your continued willingness to serve others in your inclusive and supportive way for Public Education. Thank you!
– John O’Flynn, Teacher, NVFC Director of Club Operations
I have had the honour to know and work with Cyndi for the last 10 years. We first served together on the Board for our local soccer association in 2008, and we were worked on the amalgamation of our three local soccer associations. Through that experience, I got to know Cyndi for her tenacity, her depth of knowledge, and her dedication to her work. Through our conversations, I learned about her advocacy for all students, and especially those with learning challenges and developmental disabilities. Cyndi has never wavered. She has been true to her cause and her values from the day I met her. When I chose a different path for my kids’ education, she honoured and respected that decision and made absolutely sure I understood my rights and resources. I am working – once again – to support Cyndi in her bid for re-election, and I do so out of my belief that she brings a strong voice to the table for all the students in our district. Cyndi is running for re-election in a year when her own kids are already “out of the system.” Yet she is continuing her advocacy for our students out of passion and dedication. Cyndi has a clear vision of how we need to support our students and our teachers in this coming term. And I support Cyndi’s vision, and her drive to offer her best to everyone who needs her.
I am proud to support Cyndi Gerlach for School Trustee on October 20th, 2018.
– Jan Ingram, Parent
Endorsements 2014:
I’ve been very impressed with Cyndi’s leadership on the Board of Education over the past 3 years. She is a focused and dedicated Trustee who works tirelessly to represent our Board at the local, regional, and provincial level in a number of ways. She also contributes to the work of our Board at a very high level, bringing a much valued voice and perspective to the issues at the table. She has developed strong working relationships with staff, education partners, and fellow trustees.
I strongly endorse Cyndi for re-election as School Trustee.
– Mike McGraw, SD44 School Trustee 2011-2014, and Executive Producer, LM Design Werks
Cyndi Gerlach is a tremendous asset to education and learner-centered public schools for North Vancouver’s diverse families and communities. As a long term resident of North Van, she is authentically invested in the students, citizens and educators of her neighborhood. Through my work with her I have come to know that she is reflective, encouraging and strategic in her decision making to cultivate the best schools and futures for ALL of North Vancouver’s students.
– Shannon McCann, Middle School Special Education Teacher and Federal Way Education Association Executive Board Member, Federal Way Public Schools, Washington State
I had the good fortune of meeting Cyndi shortly after my daughter was born with special needs. I honestly do not know how Cyndi manages to juggle her interests and advocacy. However, she is passionate about what she does and the world is clearly a better place because of her. For as long as I have known Cyndi she has been fighting the good fight for our children. There are some very disheartening stories about what transpires in some of our schools and I feel fortunate knowing that Cyndi is actively advocating for the necessary changes to protect our children and enhance their lives.
Thank You Cyndi!
– Viv Harvey, Parent
I’ve known Cyndi Gerlach for several years, as I’ve coached her son, Graeme, at my soccer school. While I’ve known her, Cyndi has volunteered many hours of her time helping organize youth teams for tournaments and for short playing tours to California. She most recently volunteered her time to act as Manager of a 12-day boys’ playing tour to Europe. She spent much of her time overseeing every aspect of the planning process, the chaperones’ responsibilities while on tour, and ensuring the youth players were well cared for and prepared for their matches. She was dedicated to organizing the project over a five-month period and without hesitation I can say that she was very organized, hard working, and trustworthy from start to finish.
– Saibo Talic, Owner and Head Coach, European Football School
I first met Cyndi three years ago at an autism conference. What impressed me about Cyndi is her determination to stay in touch with the latest techniques in supporting and educating children on the spectrum. Cyndi takes the time to speak to parents & teachers to understand the issues and to help find solutions to better support the children in the classroom. As a teacher on leave, I believe that we need trustees like Cyndi to continue to advocate and support students who otherwise wouldn’t have a voice.
– Nicole Sadowsky Attalla, Teacher SD5
I have known Cyndi for ten years through my work as a special education teacher and behaviour analyst. She has been a tireless advocate for quality, effective public education for all children. Cyndi knows that this requires careful planning, targeted spending and the right tools and training for teachers and support staff.
Cyndi understands how important it is to bring together skilled professionals and parents and always displays an open mind along with her belief in using research-based practices. Cyndi’s energy, optimism and knowledge will continue provide the compassionate leadership needed for the North Vancouver School District.
– Jan Palmer, MEd, BCBA – Teacher and Behaviour Analyst, Calgary Board of Education
Without a doubt, I believe that Cyndi Gerlach is one of the most qualified candidates to run for school board trustee in years.
I have personally known Cyndi for more than 15 years, both as a parent, and as a professional supporting children and families throughout North Vancouver and beyond. Cyndi has dedicated herself to improving the lives and learning opportunities for students in our community, applying her honesty, candor, and intelligence to finding creative solutions for the greater good. Cyndi is the best person to represent children and families I have ever had the privilege to know.
– Heather McCracken, Founder, Executive Director – Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society
I have known Cyndi Gerlach for over 12 years. We met at the time both of our children had been diagnosed with Autism. Over these years I have witnessed her dedication to education and the rights of all children, not just her own.
Prior to her time as a trustee for the District of North Vancouver, she effectively changed many policies that would be considered unfair to all sorts of different children. Since being elected, her dedication has continued to ensure that the North Vancouver School District is a safe and fair place to receive an education. I would not hesitate to encourage everyone I know to re-elect her to the position. She is hard working and goes above and beyond what is expected of a person in this position.
– Pat Love, Parent, Realtor
My name is Betty Ann Pryzdial and I have had the privilege of being the Chair of the Mountainside Secondary School Parent Advisory Council for the last two years. In my role as PAC Chair, I strongly endorse Cyndi Gerlach for re-election as School Trustee in the North Vancouver School District. Cyndi works tirelessly for all students and their families and has done so long before she was first elected as School Trustee. Cyndi has particular empathy for the frustrations of families of students with educational challenges in finding appropriate resources to allow them to succeed. She strives to find the balance between providing funding opportunities for all students at a time when budgets are stretched to the limit and small special interest groups may be forgotten.
Cyndi understands that parents concerns can happen at any time and makes herself available to them. If she doesn’t know the information required, she will find it and make it available. She is dedicated to making this school district the best it can be and deserves the chance to continue what she has started in her first term as School Trustee.
– Betty Ann Pryzdial, Chair-Mountainside Secondary PAC
I have known Cyndi for the past three years, and I appreciate Cyndi’s compassion in regards to our vulnerable students. I know that she will continue to be an advocate and voice for all students! All the best!
– Cecelia Cashore Reekie, School Trustee SD35 Langley (via Facebook)
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I would love to talk to you about your priorities for students and families!
Contact me here.
I am grateful to live, work, and learn on the Unceded Territories of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
“Authorized and approved by the Candidate Cyndi Gerlach as financial agent for the campaign – cyndigerlach@telus.net”