Patterson makes first bid for public office with trustee run

Sep 16, 2026 | 12:40 PM

PRINCE GEORGE —A Prince George woman with a unique international background is making her first run for public office, seeking a seat as a School District 57 trustee.

Sara Patterson says she decided to enter the race because she wants to make a meaningful contribution to the community and help improve educational outcomes for local students.

Patterson returned to Prince George after spending 14 years in Ethiopia, where she and her former husband operated a chain of pizza restaurants in the capital city of Addis Ababa. The experience gave her a different perspective on education and helped shape her priorities as a trustee candidate.

After returning home, Patterson noticed what she describes as a gap in academic expectations. She said her children, who had been educated in Ethiopia, transitioned easily into the local school system because of their strong academic foundation despite studying in a country with fewer resources.

That experience sparked her interest in educational leadership.

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“I’d like to be part of something that’s striving towards excellence for kids,” Patterson said.

Among her key priorities are strengthening foundational skills such as reading, literacy and numeracy while ensuring students are challenged in an age-appropriate way.

Patterson argues that children perform best when they are encouraged to overcome obstacles and develop confidence in their abilities. She also believes schools must adapt to the growing influence of artificial intelligence while maintaining strong academic standards.

“We need to care about these things, especially when AI is coming,” she said, noting technology should be used as a tool rather than a substitute for learning.

A lifelong Prince George resident, Patterson attended Blackburn Elementary and Blackburn Junior Secondary. She says those experiences gave her firsthand insight into how school decisions can affect families and communities.

Professionally, Patterson works as a lead course coordinator for a local welding company. She says her experience managing budgets and making practical decisions would be valuable on the school board.

If elected, Patterson says her focus will remain on student well-being, academic achievement and ensuring every decision supports the educational experience of local children.

by Greg Fry

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Patterson makes first bid for public office with trustee run

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