Re-Elect Rhonda Pauls for Abbotsford Board of Education
Returning to education governance as a candidate for the Board of Education in Abbotsford BC.
Stronger schools built through:
- • Respect for all people
- • Strong literacy and numeracy foundations
- • Inclusive and ethical policy
- • Strategic and transparent use of public resources
- • Advocacy for each child
Meet Rhonda Pauls
A strong principled leader with expertise in governance, fiscal responsibility, and community leadership.
Rhonda Pauls is an experienced public education trustee, nonprofit executive, and community leader with a demonstrated record of leadership with integrity. She brings strong experience in governance, fiscal responsibility, policy development, youth advocacy, and inclusive community leadership. Her approach is practical, principled, and rooted in collaboration — building community through strong relationships, thoughtful decision-making, and a clear commitment to fairness, equity, accountability, and the valuing of all people.
Rhonda has lived her adult life in Abbotsford, where she raised six children through the public school system. Today, she is proud to see her grandchildren beginning their own journey in Abbotsford schools. Her commitment to public education is deeply personal. She understands the role schools play not only in academic success, but in helping children feel safe, supported, challenged, included, and connected to the community around them.
With three terms of service on the Abbotsford Board of Education, including leadership experience as Board Chair and Vice-Chair, Rhonda understands the responsibility of public education governance. She believes strong school boards must listen carefully, ask responsible questions, respect staff and educators, support families, and make decisions grounded in strong policy and ethical principles.
Rhonda's leadership is guided by the belief that strong schools help build strong communities. She believes it truly takes a village to raise a child, and that every child deserves access to quality public education, meaningful opportunities, positive adult relationships, and inclusive spaces where they feel a true sense of belonging. She is passionate about culture, diversity, youth development, and ensuring that decisions reflect the needs and dignity of each student and family.
As both an elected trustee and nonprofit executive, Rhonda brings practical leadership and real-world organizational experience. She has worked with families, staff, volunteers, community partners, government agencies, boards of directors, and youth-serving organizations. In her current role as Executive Director of Baseball PEI Inc., she continues to lead a provincial organization while transitioning into a work structure that allows her to be based in British Columbia, with less travel and greater ability to be present, involved, and active in the Abbotsford community.
Rhonda is seeking to return to the Abbotsford Board of Education with renewed experience, perspective, and purpose. Her vision is clear: a Board that listens deeply, respects all people, builds strong and fair policy, and makes decisions guided by one essential question — are we hearing those who struggle to be heard, using our resources with creativity and care, and taking action that improves the quality of education for each child in meaningful and life-changing ways?
Get to Know Rhonda
A glimpse into her life, passions, and commitment to community
Rhonda Pauls
Public Education Advocate, Sport Administrator and Community Leader
Family First
Family is at the centre of Rhonda's life. Time with her children and grandchildren — whether at school, outdoors, in the community, or around a coffee table — reminds her why strong schools, safe spaces, and affordable opportunities matter. Rhonda believes every family deserves the chance to belong, participate, and build meaningful experiences together.
Sport Leadership & Volunteerism
As an Executive Director, sport official, mentor, and volunteer, Rhonda is deeply committed to the role community sport and recreation play in youth development. She believes the purpose of public education extends beyond academics alone: it is also about helping young people build the confidence, character, relationships, judgment, resilience, and sense of belonging they need to thrive in life. Rhonda's work in sport has reinforced what she believes to be true in education — children benefit when they are surrounded by caring, ethical adults who see their potential, create opportunities, set healthy expectations, and help them grow. Coaches, officials, teachers, mentors, volunteers, and community leaders all play an important role in helping young people develop life skills and experience positive relationships outside their immediate family. Through her leadership in baseball, officiating, mentorship, Safe Sport, girls' and women's programming, instructor development, and community facility development, Rhonda has worked to create environments where youth can participate, lead, learn, and feel included. She understands that not every child has the same access to opportunity, and that communities must work together to remove barriers and provide welcoming, affordable, and inclusive spaces for every young person. For Rhonda, volunteerism is not separate from public service — it is part of the same commitment. Whether supporting schools, mentoring officials, advocating for youth-centred decision-making, or helping build community sport infrastructure, her focus is on strengthening the network of adults and opportunities around children so they are better supported in school, in community, and in life.
Active & Grounded
Rhonda's connection to sport, recreation, and the outdoors is deeply personal. Whether she is coaching, officiating, fishing, walking outside, or simply sharing time in nature with family and friends, she finds energy, perspective, and joy in being active and connected. She believes sport and recreation do more than keep people healthy — they bring communities together, create belonging, build confidence, and give people of all ages a place to learn, contribute, and celebrate one another. For Rhonda, these experiences are a reminder of why strong, inclusive community spaces matter.
Family Activities & Grandchildren
Family is at the heart of Rhonda's life. Some of her greatest joy comes from spending time with her grandchildren — taking them to activities, helping with school and daycare routines, cheering them on, and sharing everyday moments that become lasting memories. These experiences remind her how important it is for families to have access to safe, welcoming, affordable, and inclusive places where children can learn, play, grow, and belong.
Quality Family Time Matters
Rhonda believes quality family time strengthens children, supports parents and caregivers, and builds healthier communities. Her commitment to volunteering in schools and in sport, supporting family activities, and advocating for inclusive community spaces is grounded in her belief that every family should have meaningful opportunities to participate, connect, and thrive.
Commitment to Excellence
Excellence begins with a personal commitment to growth. In her own life, Rhonda seeks out challenges that require her to work hard, adapt, train, or learn something new, because that is where real growth happens. Whether in leadership, sport, service, or community life, she does not believe in standing still when there is an opportunity to become better. That same belief shapes how she views public education and community leadership. "Good enough" should never become the standard when children, families, and communities are depending on us. Strong leadership requires the willingness to ask whether an outcome could be better, whether a system could be stronger, and whether decisions are truly serving the needs of students. For Rhonda, excellence is both personal and collective. It means continuing to learn, sharing knowledge, using experience wisely, and building leadership teams that are willing to grow and evolve as community needs change. Strong teams should be able to challenge one another, ask difficult questions, engage in healthy debate, and still remain respectful, ethical, and committed to the rights and freedoms of individuals. Excellence also depends on ongoing mentorship and development at every level of the system, including for experienced and high-performing staff. Strong schools are built by people who continue to learn, reflect, collaborate, and grow. Supporting leadership development, professional growth, and shared expertise helps ensure the system does not become stagnant, but continues to improve in service of students. Public education must continue to strive for excellence for every child entrusted to its care. Students deserve thoughtful decisions, strong leadership, inclusive opportunities, and adults who bring their best effort to the table. Excellence does not mean perfection; it means refusing to become complacent when children's futures are at stake. True community service means continuing to learn, continuing to contribute, and using our skills and expertise to benefit those around us. Striving for excellence is not about personal recognition — it is about ensuring that students, families, schools, staff, and communities receive the care, effort, and leadership they deserve.
Service to Community
Rhonda believes strong communities are built by people who are willing to step forward, share their skills, and support one another. Her commitment to service comes from a deep belief that every community member has something valuable to contribute — and that community leaders have a responsibility to model that belief through action. At a time when volunteerism is changing and many organizations are struggling to find the people and resources needed to keep programs running, Rhonda believes it is more important than ever to protect and rebuild a strong culture of service. Vibrant communities depend on volunteers, mentors, coaches, artists, educators, parents, caregivers, officials, and neighbours who help create meaningful opportunities for children and families. She is concerned that without strong volunteer support and community partnership, too many activities can become "pay to use," creating a system where access depends on wealth and privilege. Rhonda believes school sport, arts, music, recreation, and experiential learning opportunities must remain affordable, welcoming, and available to the whole community. For Rhonda, service is both personal and shared. She volunteers because she has passion, experience, and skills to offer — but she also believes healthy communities require all of us to step up in whatever ways we can. A strong volunteer base is the foundation of a fair, inclusive, and vibrant community where every child and family has the opportunity to participate, belong, and thrive.
Key Leadership Priorities
Core commitments guiding education leadership
Responsible Governance
With three terms of elected public education governance experience, including service as Board Chair and Vice-Chair, Rhonda understands the responsibility of the role. Trustees must listen well, ask the right questions, respect staff and educators, govern through policy, and keep decisions focused on what is best for students and the district.
Responsible Stewardship of Public Resources
Public resources belong to the whole community and must be managed with care, transparency, and purpose. Rhonda brings direct experience in budget oversight, resource management, funding development, and organizational accountability, and believes every decision should focus on maximizing impact for all students.
Youth-Centred Decision-Making
Leadership consistently focused on children, youth, and families. Commitment to ensuring that decisions, policies, programs, and systems keep young people at the centre and create opportunities for all students to grow, participate, and succeed.
Community-Minded Leadership
Decades of experience supporting community organizations, parent leadership, volunteer training, and inclusive programming. Believing that strong leadership is built through relationships, service, accountability, and respect for many voices.
Public Education Is for All — No Exceptions
Rhonda believes every child belongs in public education. Race, religion, culture, heritage, sexual orientation, gender identity, financial status, ability, or lived experience must never determine whether a student feels safe, respected, supported, or seen. She believes our schools, resources, instruction, policies, and decisions must reflect the full diversity of the community they serve. Without truly inclusive spaces built on transparency, fairness, equity, dignity, and respect, we cannot move forward together as a strong and vibrant community.
Policy & Ethical Leadership
Rhonda believes strong policy is the foundation of ethical public education governance. Policy must uphold the School Act and human rights, protect the system from bias, close loopholes, and provide clear direction for fair, consistent, and accountable decision-making. She brings experience in policy development, public accountability, conflict resolution, and ethical leadership, with a focus on building inclusive systems that respect diverse communities and serve the greater good.
Professional Experience
Leadership roles spanning public education, nonprofit management, and community service
Executive Director, Baseball PEI Inc.
Prince Edward Island | Feb 2022 – Present
Responsible for all aspects of the provincial organization, including strategic planning, staffing, budget and resource management, league operations, policy development, board governance support, and liaison work with Baseball Canada. Ensures compliance with Sport Canada policy expectations and Safe Sport practices while advocating for youth development opportunities. Led the organization to be awarded Premier's Sport Organization of the Year for Prince Edward Island in 2025.
Executive Director, Baseball PEI Developments Inc.
Prince Edward Island | Apr 2023 – Present
Led a collaborative team through funding development, planning, design, and construction of PEI's first synthetic turf baseball field and community park. Created lasting infrastructure for youth sport, community programming, and inclusive recreational access while strengthening partnerships with government and corporate supporters.
Trustee, Abbotsford School District #34 Board of Education
Board Chair | Vice-Chair | Abbotsford, BC | Jan 2011 – Jan 2022
Served three elected terms on the Abbotsford Board of Education, including service as Board Chair and Vice-Chair. Work included strategic planning, budget oversight, policy development, senior staff evaluation, committee leadership, and community engagement. Developed strong understanding of elected education leadership responsibilities: listening to families, supporting students, respecting staff and educators, making responsible decisions, and balancing budgets in the best interests of the school district.
Chair & Vice-Chair, District Parent Advisory Council
Abbotsford School District #34 | Jan 2004 – Jan 2010
Before serving as a school trustee, actively involved in parent leadership. Supported parent engagement, volunteer training, school-community relationships, and constructive conflict resolution. Advised PAC members on procedures, responsibilities, financial management, recruitment, and effective advocacy.
National & Provincial Sport Leadership Roles
2009 – Present: British Columbia Amateur Baseball Association, BC Umpires Association, Baseball Canada
Multiple national and provincial leadership roles spanning nearly two decades, including: Portfolio Lead for Instructor Development and Mentorship; member of Baseball Canada Girls and Women's Committee; six-time International Baseball Official for Canada; Supervisor at national championships; Director and committee member with MLB Umpires Charitable Foundation (UMPS Care). Leadership includes strategic planning, budget oversight, education delivery, policy application, member support, discipline processes, conflict resolution, mentorship programming, and volunteer development.
Fiscal Responsibility & Strong Governance
Stewarding resources with care and integrity
Fiscal Leadership in Education
Abbotsford School District has been a leader in British Columbia for making sound budget decisions and doing the most with the flexible resources available. Through strong policy, forward-thinking governance, and responsible planning, the district has maintained a strong financial position even during challenging times.
This fiscal discipline does not happen by accident. It requires trustees who understand that strategic priorities must be built through careful analysis of district data and meaningful consultation with the public. Once those priorities are identified, budget decisions must be directly connected to them.
Public resources should be allocated where they can have the greatest impact in advancing the goals of the Strategic Plan. Real accountability comes when the community can see progress in priority areas because resources have been used with care, creativity, transparency, and purpose to support measurable improvement for students, schools, and the district as a whole.
In public education, every dollar should be viewed through the lens of how it can best support students, strengthen classrooms, improve opportunities, and move the system forward. Financial accountability is not only about restraint; it is also about innovation, partnership, and finding better ways to use available resources for greater impact.
One of the greatest challenges in public education is maximizing opportunity within limited resources. That requires leaders who are willing to think outside the box, build strong partnerships, reduce duplication, ask thoughtful questions, and make decisions that reflect both present needs and long-term system health.
When resources are used wisely, creatively, and transparently, they can become a catalyst for innovation and advancement. Fiscal excellence means protecting the public trust while ensuring resources are directed where they matter most: supporting students, schools, staff, and families.
Core Skills & Strengths
Leadership expertise developed over decades of service
Public Education Governance
Three terms as trustee on the Abbotsford Board of Education, including Board Chair and Vice-Chair roles. Deep experience in governance, budget oversight, policy development, senior staff evaluation, and community engagement.
Nonprofit Executive Leadership
Executive Director roles at Baseball PEI Inc. and Baseball PEI Developments Inc., with expertise in strategic planning, staffing, budgets, operations, policy development, and board governance.
Fiscal Responsibility & Resource Management
Experience with budget oversight, resource allocation, funding development, nonprofit financial stewardship, and responsible decision-making in public education and community organizations.
Youth Advocacy & Safe Environments
Leadership focused on youth-centred, inclusive programming, Safe Sport policy compliance, mentorship, discipline processes, and ethical decision-making for youth protection.
Community Building & Partnerships
Extensive experience working with families, volunteers, educators, government agencies, corporate sponsors, provincial and national partners, and community leaders.
Mentorship & Volunteer Development
Experience coordinating mentorship programs, volunteer development, conflict resolution, and leadership development in sport, education, and community settings.
Policy Development & Ethical Leadership
Experience in public accountability, ethical decision-making, conflict resolution, and building inclusive environments that respect diverse communities.
Cultural Awareness & Inclusion
Commitment to culture, diversity, Indigenous inclusion, and creating belonging for all students. Training includes Aboriginal Coaching Module, Indigenous Canada, and ongoing cultural competency development.
Education Priorities & Values
Core commitments guiding education leadership
Family Values & Parent Voice
Strong families form the foundation of our community. We support policies that respect family diversity, empower parents, and recognize the critical role families play in education. Parents know their children best, and the Board must actively seek well-rounded parent input in a variety of ways, ensuring all parents have meaningful opportunities to share their needs, observations, concerns, and ideas. Listening to the full community helps the Board make better decisions that reflect the lived experiences of students, families, and schools.
Respect for All People
Every student, educator, and family member deserves respect and inclusion. Our schools must be welcoming places where all backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives are honored.
Service to Community
Education is a public trust. Board members must serve with integrity, transparency, and a genuine commitment to the wellbeing of each student. Every family is distinct, and the voice of the community must never be limited to those who are most prominent, most connected, or most vocal. Strong public education requires listening intentionally to all families — especially those who struggle to find voice — and making decisions that reflect the needs, dignity, and belonging of every student in the system.
Fiscal Responsibility
Public education is a public trust. Budget decisions must be transparent, accountable, and clearly connected to the strategic priorities shaped by district data and community consultation. Responsible stewardship means using resources with care and purpose, ensuring every dollar is directed where it can have the greatest impact for students, schools, and the community.
Advocacy for Every Child
Each child deserves the opportunity to succeed, with support that reflects their individual strengths, needs, background, and abilities. Public education must provide quality instruction, appropriate resources, and individualized learning plans that help students grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.
Quality Education
The strongest learning environments are built through excellent instruction. While quality resources, appropriate supports, and well-rounded learning opportunities matter, the single most impactful investment we can make is strengthening instructional capacity in our schools. That means supporting teachers and instructional staff with ongoing professional development, mentorship, collaboration, and practical resources that help them adapt to changing student needs. Strong academics, critical thinking, creativity, and meaningful learning experiences are possible when educators are supported, equipped, and empowered to do their best work for each child.
Safe and Caring Schools
Students learn best when they feel safe, welcomed, respected, and ready to learn. Each child arrives at school carrying different challenges, hopes, strengths, experiences, and contributions, and schools must be prepared to meet students where they are.
Safe and caring schools require more than physical safety. They require mental health support, respectful relationships, inclusive practices, high expectations, and learning environments where students feel secure enough to grow, be challenged, and thrive. Every child deserves to be seen, supported, and respected for who they are and where they come from.
Unbiased & Passionate Representation
Strong leadership means standing firmly on core values while remaining open to listening, learning, and understanding all perspectives. Decisions must be fair, evidence-informed, unbiased, and focused on what best serves students, families, schools, and the community as a whole.
Have concerns about our schools? Ideas for improvement? Want to share your story? Your feedback shapes advocacy and strengthens the commitment to better schools for all children.
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Education, Training & Certifications
Ongoing commitment to professional development and leadership excellence
Coaching Association of Canada – Aboriginal Coaching Module
2024
Coaching Association of Canada – Certified Learning Facilitator
Feb 2023
University of Alberta – Indigenous Canada
Jan 2021
University of British Columbia – Teaching Mental Health Literacy
Jan 2020
Respect Group – Respect in the Workplace
Jan 2020
Canadian Centre for Child Protection – Commit to Kids Training
Jan 2020
Coaching Association of Canada – Safe Sport Training
Jan 2020
Baseball Canada – Master Course Conductor Certification
Jan 2018
Baseball Canada NUCP – Lead Supervisor Designation
Jan 2018
BCPSEA – Facilitating Difficult Conversations
Jan 2015
Search Institute – Building Developmental Assets in School Communities
Jan 2008
BC Education Leadership Council – Information Resource Coordinator Certificate
Jan 2008
Recognition & Achievements
Awards and recognition for service and leadership
Premier's Sport Organization of the Year PEI – 2025
Awarded to Baseball PEI Inc. under Rhonda's leadership
Six-time International Baseball Official for Canada
2012, 2014, 2015, 2019, 2024, 2026
Baseball Canada Umpire Developer of the Year – 2021
BCBUA Female Umpire of the Year
2017 and 2019
Dick Willis Memorial Award – Baseball Canada Umpire of the Year – 2014
BCBUA Senior Umpire of the Year – 2014
BCBUA Chuck Blaikie Outstanding Contribution Award – 2010
Endorsements
Support from community and industry leaders
"I am proud to support Rhonda Pauls for School Trustee in the Abbotsford School District."
"Over the years, I have had the privilege of working alongside Rhonda in the sport community and have witnessed firsthand her commitment to excellence, service, and leadership. Whether at the provincial, national, or international level, Rhonda consistently demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and a genuine dedication to the people she serves."
"As an internationally assigned baseball official, Rhonda has earned the respect of her peers through hard work, sound judgment, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. These same qualities make her exceptionally well-suited to serve as a School Trustee."
"Strong schools require leaders who listen, collaborate, and make thoughtful decisions in the best interests of students and families. Through her extensive volunteerism and community involvement, Rhonda has repeatedly demonstrated those qualities and has proven herself to be a trusted leader."
"Abbotsford will be well served by Rhonda's experience, character, and unwavering commitment to community. I am pleased to offer my endorsement and encourage voters to support her candidacy."
David Laing
CEO, Baseball BC
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2026 Abbotsford Election Information
Everything you need to know about voting day
Voting Day
Saturday, October 17th, 2026
Mark your calendar! Local elections for the Abbotsford Board of Education take place on this date.
Election Resources
Learn more about the election process and voting information from official sources.
Voting Locations
Information about voting sites and locations coming soon. Please check back closer to election day or visit the City of Abbotsford elections page for updates.
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