WATCH ABOVE: The Chair of the Edmonton Public School Board has stepped down to seek the NDP nomination in Edmonton-Glenora.
EDMONTON – Edmonton Public School Board chairwoman Sarah Hoffman is taking a stab at provincial politics.
Hoffman, 34, has stepped down as chairwoman in order to seek the NDP nomination in Edmonton Glenora. The provincial riding has been held by Progressive Conservative MLA Heather Klimchuk since 2008. She won the last two elections with just under 40 per cent of the vote.
Hoffman, a two-term Edmonton Public school trustee, said on Monday she chose to run because of recent moves by the PC government on Gay Straight Alliances, and the acceptance of eleven Wildrose MLAs to the caucus.
Hoffman said she will continue to make education a top priority.
“When I look at the PC record on education, I am frustrated. And I can’t stay silent anymore,” she said.
“In a province growing as fast as Alberta, we need more schools and we need them now.”
“The Conservatives have utterly failed to build the schools they have been promising for almost a decade,” Hoffman added. “They have utterly failed to protect children, as they have failed in health care, the environment, and making life affordable for middle class families.”
Hoffman holds a master’s degree in education, and in the past worked as the director of research for the NDP caucus.
The NDP nomination is to be held on Feb. 13. Hoffman will remain on the school board until the next provincial election is called, at which time she will take an unpaid leave of absence.
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