Trustees govern BC’s public schools and shape the future of education for more than 550,000 students
VANCOUVER, B.C. — Every decision about how a local school handles a tight budget, a full classroom, or student resources begins with school trustees. As British Columbians prepare to head to the polls on Saturday, October 17, 2026, to vote for their community’s next trustee, the British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA) is calling on passionate, community-minded residents across the province to put their names forward for one of the most consequential and least understood roles in local government.
School trustees are locally elected representatives who govern their local boards of education. Together, they set the strategic direction for their school district, approve and balance budgets, establish policies, and ensure that every student receives a high-quality, equitable education.
It is a role with real responsibility. Trustees are accountable to their communities for decisions ranging from staffing, budgets, resources, and capital planning to Indigenous education, student mental health supports, and long-term facilities. It demands integrity, curiosity, and a genuine commitment to public education as a democratic institution.
“Being a school trustee is one of the most rewarding roles you can take on in your community. Every decision you make has a direct impact on students, on the quality of their education, the safety of their schools, and the opportunities available to them. Trustees are often unseen champions of public education, and this work truly matters,” said Carolyn Broady, Past President of BCSTA and School Trustee, West Vancouver Schools.
“What I would say if you’re really considering this role is that you must go in open-minded. Don’t come in with a single issue or one thing you want to change or solve, the job is bigger than that. To serve your community properly, you need to be there thinking critically and working for every family and every student in your community. The impact we have as school trustees is creating the best opportunities for every child and ensuring they belong,” added Broady.
“The work in public education doesn’t happen on its own, it happens because trustees set direction, make important budget decisions, and hold the system accountable to the community it serves. Trustees are vital to public education. They are not a formality of the system; they are what makes the system work well. It’s a role where one dedicated person adds real value and can genuinely change outcomes for students,” said Trevor Davies, Chief Executive Officer of BCSTA.
The BCSTA thanks every potential candidate for considering this important role. Your commitment to public education, to your community, and above all to BC’s students is what makes this work matter.
If you are interested in running for the upcoming election, the BCSTA has developed resources to support you. Visit bcsta.org/elections to learn more.
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About BCSTA
The British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA) represents and supports the boards of education that govern British Columbia’s public schools, serving over 550,000 students. BCSTA supports over 400 trustees through professional development, legal counsel, and communications, while acting as the strong, unified voice for boards in advocating to government, education partners, and the public on matters affecting public education.
Media Contact:
Monique Atwal – Manager of Communications
Email: matwal@bcsta.org
Phone: 604-842-1167