Abbotsford – Sometimes, change is a good thing.
In a social media post on November 4, current Abbotsford School Board Chair Shirley Wilson stated that for personal reasons, she would step back as Chair but stay on as Vice Chair. That was made clear at the November 4 Abbotsford School District’s annual organizational meeting.
From Wilson: “I have spoken with my family and for personal and professional reasons I am stepping back into the Vice Chair role. Chair Stan Petersen and I served as Chair (me) and Vice Chair (Stan) in 2016 through 2018.
Tuesday, I was nominated for Chair and declined, instead choosing to nominate Trustee Petersen.
I want to be clear that while there are negative comments on social media for me to step down as Board Chair; this is not why I stepped away from this role. While the negativity is rampant, the past 21 months have been rewarding, although at times quite trying. It is time for another experienced trustee to take the lead for the last year of this term.
I offer my sincere congratulations to Chair Petersen.
I embrace the opportunity to continue in a Board leadership role in order to best support our staff and district, and work in the interest of students, families, and the community. I remain as committed as I was the first day I was elected some 20 years ago.
Thank you to Trustee Preet Rai as he and I have worked together closely for the nearly two years, side by side with our senior staff to lead the Board, and thus the district, into a greater place of strength.
Thank you again to all whom have sent messages of encouragement and support. I know who you are, I see you, I thank you.”
From Abbotsford Board of Education: The Abbotsford Board of Education has elected Stan Petersen as Board Chair for the remainder of the 2025–26 term. Trustee Petersen, a long-time advocate for public education, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to student success across the district.
Trustee Petersen succeeds Shirley Wilson, who has served as Chair since February 2024. The election took place during the Board’s annual organizational meeting on November 4, 2025.
“I’d like to thank my colleagues for the privilege of serving as Chair,” said Stan Petersen. “I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Shirley Wilson for her exemplary leadership as Chair and to Preet Rai for his dedicated service as Vice-Chair. It’s an honour to serve in this capacity and to work alongside our skilled staff who support our students every day.”
As Chair, Trustee Petersen will work with fellow trustees and district leadership to advance the Board’s strategic priorities, strengthen community partnerships, and continue ensuring that every Abbotsford student has access to high-quality, equitable learning opportunities.
First elected to the Abbotsford Board of Education in 2011, Stan Petersen has previously served as both Chair and Vice-Chair. His collaborative approach and long-standing dedication to educational excellence have made him a respected leader within the district and the broader community.
Congratulations to Trustee Petersen and to Trustee Shirley Wilson who was elected as the new Vice-Chair for the remainder of the 2025-26 term.
