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Patti Bacchus

Named as one of BC’s Top 100 Influential Women by the Vancouver Sun and twice named to Vancouver Magazine’s “Power 50” list, Patti is a well-known public education and social justice advocate who was the longest serving chair of the Vancouver School Board (VSB).

She ran for the VSB in three elections — in 2008, 2011 and 2014 — topping the polls each time. She was elected as board chair from 2008 – 2014.

Patti played a key role in the grassroots campaign to seismically upgrade at-risk B.C. public schools and is proud to have signed several funding agreements to upgrade or replace seismically high-risk Vancouver schools.

Patti worked alongside her VSB colleagues and community members to develop plans for Vancouver’s first Aboriginal-focused school of choice and an Early Mandarin Bilingual program. During her term as chair, the VSB passed ground-breaking sexual orientation and gender identity policy changes.

Patti also serves as a director on the board of the Broadbent Institute, a progressive, independent national organization that champions change through the promotion of democracy, equality, and sustainability and the training of a new generation of leaders.

Born and raised in Vancouver and a graduate of the University of Victoria (Political Science) and Langara College (Journalism), Patti is married to Lee Bacchus and has a grown stepdaughter and two adult children. 

Tiffany Dowd

Great-granddaughter hopes VSB names new school after Won Alexander Cumyow

Tiffany Dowd hopes the VSB names its new school after her great grandfather, Won Alexander Cumyow. Here's why.
Old General Gordon School

Christy Clark made promises to seismically upgrade schools in her last campaign — she didn’t keep those promises and she’s taking credit for others

The old General Gordon School was demolished and replaced with a new, seismically safe school. Photo: Wikipedia
Osoyoos Secondary School

By-election dust ups are collateral damage in Christy Clark’s war on public education

Trustees voted to close Osoyoos' high school after only to overturn their decision when Premier Christy Clark intervened at the 11th hour. Then a trustee resigned, triggering a by-election.

Democracy still prevails at Vancouver City Hall despite having left the Vancouver School Board offices

Vancouver City Council wants elected representatives to serve as VSB liaisons to city hall — not government appointees.
Vancouver School Board - International Village School

The Vancouver School Board name game: Crosstown vs Cumyow

It’s not often Vancouver gets a brand new public school and a chance to name it. The VSB’s newest school, under construction at Expo Boulevard and Abbott Street, is ready to be named.
Vancouver School Board

After the landmark Supreme Court of Canada BCTF decision, Christy Clark needs to move quickly to put back what she took away

Patti Bacchus takes a look at what restoring old teachers' contract language will look like for schools

Canada's Supreme Court hands the BCTF a huge win. So why am I still angry?

The Supreme Court of Canada decision on the BCTF case is a huge win for public education. But I'm still angry.
Education Minister Mike Bernier ordering a "forensic" audit of the VSB

B.C. government’s “forensic audit” of the VSB turned up nothing “forensic” and it wasn’t an “audit”. So what was it?

When the VSB refused to approve a 2016/17 operating budget with deep cuts to services for kids, B.C. Education Minister Mike Bernier ordered a "forensic audit" of the VSB.
VSB news conference - November 8, 2016

My first VSB news conference after being fired as a VSB trustee - but there wasn't any news

I went to my first VSB news conference since the elected board was fired. I was hoping for some news. There wasn't any.
Education Minister Mike Bernier visiting Ecole Cedardale in West Van in 2015

Qualicum School Board vote to boycott Bernier visit highlights BC school boards’ “two masters” problem

If B.C. Education Minister Mike Bernier thought firing the Vancouver School Board (VSB) would send a silencing chill across other school boards, he got a surprise with the Qualicum School Board’s...