I’m Jen Jang, a parent and 20-year North Burnaby resident. I’m running for School Trustee because I’ve seen firsthand the pressure a growing district puts on students and families. As President and Treasurer of a multi-building strata community with more than 340 homes, I oversee budgets, contracts, major projects and long-term planning. That experience has shown me that responsible decisions must be transparent, grounded in evidence and focused on the people affected by them.

My child was in the final Grade 7 cohort to participate in Burnaby’s school-based band program. Seeing its value firsthand made clear that music, arts and extracurricular opportunities are not extras: they help students feel connected, confident and engaged. I will advocate for a costed plan to restore school-based Grade 7 band so future students do not lose access to it.

Childcare has been just as real a concern for our family. We have experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to find reliable before- and after-school care, and why families need a seamless option in line with the school day. I will advocate for a Burnaby pilot to help make that possible.

I am equally concerned about cuts to school counselling. Students need timely access to trusted mental-health support at school. I will strongly advocate to protect funding for counselling positions and maintain accessible mental-health supports for students.

My community involvement through PAC, a parenting group, a social committee, a block watch committee, and past service on the Burnaby Neighbourhood House Steering Committee has taught me how to bring people together and work through complex decisions. My professional background in film production, marketing and logistics has reinforced those same skills. I will bring a family- and community-centered perspective, careful financial stewardship and a collaborative approach to the Board.