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.

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.

I have had the pleasure of 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!