The Northern California Chinese School Association held a press conference on May 23 (Friday) to officially announce the list of candidates for the 48th President and Vice President, and invited the candidates to present their political views. The current Vice President, Fu Qijun, will be running for the new President, while Principal Liao Xiujing of Mickey Xiaozi School is running for Vice President. Both of them focus on the theme of “carrying on the past and ushering in the future,” promising to continue and deepen the core mission of the Association.
In her speech, current President Li Naya expressed her emotions as the term of the 47th Association is coming to an end. She expressed gratitude for the long-standing support and cooperation from all sectors, and expressed high hopes for the incoming new team.
She said, “Both Principal Fu Qijun and Principal Liao Xiujing are not only experienced but also passionate and responsible for overseas Chinese education affairs. I believe they can continue the service mission of the Association and lead the team to continue contributing to Chinese education in Northern California.”
At the press conference, Wang Wanjun, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Siyuan Chinese School, led the Nomination Committee (whose members include Principal Chen Qiuliang of Tianle Chinese School and Principal Zhang Liwen of Guan Valley Chinese School) to explain the nomination process.
Wang Wanjun stated that the nomination process began after a decision at the March Board meeting and the election method was announced on April 3. The applications of Fu Qijun and Liao Xiujing were received on May 18 and, after being reviewed by three committee members, their qualifications were confirmed. Relevant information has been posted on the official website and sent to all member schools. The election will take place during the fourth Board meeting in June through anonymous voting.
Fu Qijun expressed his political views at the press conference, stating that running for office is a responsibility and challenge for him, but he firmly believes that “with determination, nothing is impossible.” He emphasized that he will continue to promote Chinese language and culture and serve member schools through the Association, pushing the Association’s work in three main areas:
1. Enhancing school connections and mainstream links: Promoting interaction and experience sharing among Chinese schools in Northern California, as well as establishing closer cooperation with the mainstream education sector.
2. Improving teacher professional development: Providing high-quality training courses, encouraging experience sharing among teachers, and helping to continuously improve the quality of teaching.
3. Promoting the holistic development of students: Through various activities such as Chinese language tests, singing competitions, academic competitions, etc., strengthening students’ Chinese language skills and cultural identity, while also cultivating attitudes of serving the community, giving back to society, and serving others, embodying the spirit of “benevolence and dedication” in Chinese culture.
Vice President candidate Liao Xiujing expressed her emotions, stating that her involvement in the Association over the past year has made her deeply feel that “this is a warm big family”. She thanked President Li Naya and the predecessors for their support. She emphasized, “This is a responsibility and a trust. I hope that in the future, we can walk together, step by step, and create more beautiful stories for the Association.”
She also expressed special thanks to Fu Qijun for the invitation, saying, “We will work together, serve the schools, serve the students, and continue the warmth and mission of the Association.”
Li Naya concluded by saying that the responsibilities of the Association President are heavy, like “abandoning husband and children,” but with the support and cohesion of the team, various challenges and innovative activities can be completed one by one. She expressed her joy, saying, “I am very happy to find such good successors. Please continue to support Fu Qijun and Liao Xiujing as we work together for Chinese education.” ◇