VANCOUVER—There’s a new Richmond “progressive” slate running candidates for school trustees, with the aim of “moving things forward” in a more timely manner.

Under the banner of the Richmond Education Party, incumbents Ken Hamaguchi and Sandra Nixon — who ran as independents in the 2014 election — will join four fresh political faces, Jeff Danis, Heather Larson, Karino Reid and Andrew Scallion.

“People want change,” Hamaguchi said in a phone interview.

“What’s going to be progressive is our process. We are going to get things done in a more timely manner than what’s currently being done.”

Though the team may have slightly different viewpoints, “getting down to business” resonates with all of them, he added.

This year, Richmond residents will have a choice of 26 candidates to fill seven seats.

Both Hamaguchi and Nixon championed the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) policy, which has been a contentious issue in the district and the province.

In April, an anti-SOGI rally drew roughly 150 people outside the B.C. Teachers Federation headquarters, protesting what the conservative group Culture Guard called “extreme sex ed.”

But Hamaguchi said the inclusion policy was meant to ensure schools were safe, respectful and accepting for all students and staff.

“I believe that there is a silent majority of people out there who believe this is a good policy,” he said, acknowledging there are fears and concerns.

“For those operating on misinformation, I think we owe it to them to give them information and let them decide from there. If it’s a deep attitude, then I don’t know how much information will change that.”

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The party is committed to monitoring the roll-out of the policy, he said, noting an advisory committee is in the works.

Several candidates are running on an anti-SOGI platform in the upcoming election, he added.

Nixon, who currently sits on the board with Hamaguchi, said the new team will give Richmond voters an option to continue supporting the SOGI policy.

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She noted the policy “had come up” four years ago, but there was not a willingness to engage.

“The board itself has maintained the status quo,” Nixon said.

“We will bring a slate who will encourage that continuing culture of change and be willing to have important and difficult conversations.”

The Richmond Education Party platform includes earthquake preparedness, addressing teacher shortages, concussion management strategies, updating the learning environment and technology in classrooms, expanded alternative programs for special needs and at-risk students — and increasing mental health supports.

“We know anxiety is an epidemic among our students,” Nixon said. “We have expanded some programs, but the need is still greater than what we can offer.”

As for the new candidates on the slate, Hamaguchi said they all bring something different to the table.

Danis, who is “very involved” with the local minor hockey scene, owns a human resources company, which Hamaguchi said is a great asset.

Larson is a retired education assistant with extensive experience in the local education community, he added.

Reid, a member of the Parent Advisory Committee, is championing seismic upgrades and earthquake preparedness.

Hamaguchi said she felt it was “unfair” that some schools had more supplies than others and is advocating for equity across the board. She also plans to tackle the issue of lead levels in water.

And Scallion, the current vice-president of the Richmond District Parents Association, will bring his extensive parent contacts and knowledge to the group, Hamaguchi said.

The Richmond municipal election is on Oct. 20.

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