A New West school trustee says she’ll continue to work behind the scenes as she embarks on chemotherapy.
Kathleen Carlsen, who was elected to the New Westminster board of education in February, recently issued a statement regarding some health challenges she has been experiencing.
“In June, I had surgery to remove a cancerous tumour, which was successful,” she wrote. “Unfortunately, I’ll need to undergo chemotherapy, starting the first week of September, which will require me to avoid in-person events for the next 16 weeks due to a compromised immune system.”
In her statement, Carlsen said she plans to continue participating in meetings virtually, and remains dedicated to doing her work behind the scenes.
“This is a temporary setback, and I’m fully determined to overcome it with the support of my fantastic family, friends, and community,” she said.
Carlsen topped the polls in the Feb. 3 byelection, which was triggered by the September 2023 resignation of former trustee Dee Beattie.
“As your school board trustee for the past six months, I’ve been actively involved in important work, including hiring our new superintendent, preparing for the new strategic plan and addressing capacity issues in New Westminster,” she said in her message to the community. “I’m excited about the new leadership and am committed to continuing this important work.”
Mark Davidson, who had led the Medicine Hat School Division since 2016, joined the New Westminster school district as its new superintendent on July 8.
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