Richmond school trustee candidate Bill Mok, running with the Richmond Education Party, said he wants to base decisions on listening to students, parents and staff.
The Story
Bill Mok is running for school trustee in Richmond with the Richmond Education Party.
Mok lists his home neighbourhood as Brighouse South and says his profession is an Anglican priest. He said his hobby is reading, writing and walking.
In answering the questionnaire’s prompts, Mok said he came to Canada at 16 and entered school with limited English, adding that with support he later became an engineer. He said that experience shapes his view that every student deserves support to learn, belong and prepare for life beyond graduation.
Mok said he will listen to students, parents, educators and staff, and that he supports strong foundations in reading and math alongside arts and practical skills. He also said he wants schools to be safe and welcoming.
On the question of whether schools should teach more basics such as reading and math, Mok said yes. On whether the school curriculum should focus more on trades training, he said yes, arguing students should encounter a wider range of futures while still in school and describing an auto mechanic he said he trusted as the kind of high school mechanics class that can spark interest in a trade and career.
When asked whether there is enough focus on social issues in the curriculum, Mok said no. Asked whether school districts should be allowed to set school tax rates, he said no.
On whether students should be taught drug awareness in high school, Mok said yes and said education should provide accurate, age-appropriate information about drugs, including effects, risks and where to get help. Mok also said he brought together youth and health service providers through 360 Community for a forum on drug prevention, and that trusted relationships and access to support matter.
Mok said yes when asked whether elementary track meets should be more inclusive, and yes when asked whether students should have more outdoor education opportunities.
On whether artificial intelligence should be banned in schools, Mok said no. On whether cellphones should be banned in Richmond schools, he said yes.
Mok said no when asked whether teachers are adequately paid, and he said yes when asked whether there should be more educational support workers in schools.
On whether he supports SOGI policies in Richmond schools, Mok said yes, saying every student deserves to feel safe, respected and included, including students of different sexual orientations and gender identities. He added that trustees should listen seriously to parents and communities with different cultural and faith perspectives, and said listening should lead to action through thoughtful, practical implementation with educators and families.
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