NWP Mayoral Candidate Daniel Fontaine Introduces Next Two School Board CandidatesTrustees Carlsen and Connelly Announce 2026 Re-election Campaigns
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April 22, 2026 (New Westminster, BC) – NWP Mayoral Candidate, Councillor Daniel Fontaine today announced NWP School Trustees Danielle Connelly and Kathleen Carlsen will seek re-election in the October 2026 municipal election. Danielle and Kathleen join Don Doyle, Liz Fajber, Anita Dunn and Lucas Steele, who have also been announced as NWP School Board candidates.
“We are very excited Kathleen and Danielle have decided to run again for School Board,” said Councillor Fontaine. “In addition to informing our school board platform, their experience will help guide our team’s approach to engaging families and youth in neighbourhoods across the city. Working with Danielle and Kathleen, the NWP will make sure School Board and City Council cooperate more actively in the public interest.”
Danielle Connelly was first elected to the New Westminster School Board in 2018 and is now serving her second term. Kathleen Carlsen was elected School Board Trustee in the 2024 by-election.
“I am running again for School Trustee because I believe in a strong and fully resourced public education system and will continue advocating for funding for new schools, equitable access to resources, inclusive learning environments, and supports that meet the diverse needs of all learners,” said candidate Connelly. “My focus has been and will continue to be listening to students and families and ensuring their voices help shape a strong supportive school system. Working collaboratively has been central to my approach and I look forward to working with Daniel and the NWP team to continue supporting students and families in New Westminster.”
“I am proud to support Daniel Fontaine as we share a collaborative, connected approach—grounded in clear advocacy and decisions shaped by the needs of local families. I’m looking forward to working with the NWP team to ensure stronger alignment between the City and School Board for the benefit of all students and families,” said candidate Carlsen. “I am running because student safety—physical, emotional and within the learning environment—has always been my priority and I believe that means addressing real issues with honesty, care and follow-through. I will continue to advocate—quietly, but persistently—for stronger funding, the infrastructure our growing city urgently needs and learning environments that support the diverse needs of students, while building transparent, respectful relationships.”
Since introducing Councillor Daniel Fontaine as Mayoral Candidate in September, the NWP has announced a full team of City Council candidates. Additional information is available at www.nwprogress.ca. More campaign announcements are expected in the coming days.
