Mike McGraw, SD44 School Trustee 2011-2014, and Executive Producer, LM Design Werks

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.

Saibo Talic, Owner and Head Coach, European Football School

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.

Heather McCracken, Founder, Executive Director – Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society

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.

Cecelia Cashore Reekie, School Trustee SD35 Langley (via Facebook)

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!

Shannon McCann, Middle School Special Education Teacher and Federal Way Education Association Executive Board Member, Federal Way Public Schools, Washington State

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.

Nicole Sadowsky Attalla, Teacher SD5

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.

Pat Love, Parent, Realtor

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.

Viv Harvey, Parent

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!

Jan Palmer, MEd, BCBA – Teacher and Behaviour Analyst, Calgary Board of Education

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 to provide the compassionate leadership needed for the North Vancouver School District.

Betty Ann Pryzdial, Chair-Mountainside Secondary PAC

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.