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2026 Trustee Election

Oct 17

The Vancouver School Board (VSB) is committed to providing high-quality, inclusive public education that supports the learning, well-being and belonging of every student. 

As trustees for one of Canada’s largest and most diverse school districts,  you will serve a dynamic community, delivering excellent educational experiences through informed planning and accountable use of public resources.

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About the 2026 Trustee Election

On October 17, 2026, voters will elect nine school trustees as part of B.C.’s general local elections. 

Trustees serve a four-year term from November 2026 to 2030. The election takes place at the same time as Vancouver’s municipal election for mayor, city council and park board.

For more information about running for trustee in the upcoming election, visit:

Eligibility

To run for board of education, you must be a Canadian citizen who will be age 18 or older on general voting day. 

You must have been a BC resident for at least six months before nomination day and not be disqualified under the School Act or any other law from being nominated, elected, or serving as a trustee.

You cannot serve as a school trustee if you are a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). 

If you are endorsed by an elector organization, information about these organizations is available on the Elections BC website.

Trustee Remuneration

Trustees have defined responsibilities as part of their role. In recognition of these responsibilities, trustee remuneration and expenses are set out in Board Policy 6: Trustee Remuneration and Expenses.

Annual Remuneration
 Trustee: $41,600
 Vice-chair: $47,800
 Chair: $54,100

For more information about remuneration and eligible expenses, see Policy 6.

Campaign Activity

Campaign activity is subject to local bylaws and school district procedures, including rules for campaign signage and use of public spaces for political activities.

In VSB schools, school grounds and facilities, campaign activity must align with the Political Activities administrative procedure. This includes restrictions on distributing or posting campaign materials, canvassing, using VSB resources and displaying materials, except in limited circumstances. 

VSB Employees Considering Candidacy

The provincial School Act sets out requirements for school district employees who are considering running for trustee.

If you am a VSB employee and want to run for a trustee seat at VSB, you must give the school district written notice before you are nominated.

Your leave of absence must begin on the first day of the nomination period or the day you give written notice, whichever is later.

If you are elected to the as a VSB trustee, you must resign from your employment with the school district.

If you are a VSB employee running for a trustee seat on another board of education, you do not need to take a leave of absence or resign from VSB employment.

VSB employees are encouraged to contact employee services for additional information and guidance: executivedirectorES@vsb.bc.ca. 

What to expect as a trustee at the Vancouver School Board?

Inaugural Board Meeting: November 9, 2026, 5 p.m.

Board Orientation: Trustees elected to office will be expected to attend all day Board orientation sessions from November 2 to 5, 2026

Trustees are also expected to attend the BCSTA trustee academy: 
November 26 (evening), November 28 (day) and November 29 (day)

 Board operations and time commitment:
 Although time commitments will vary, it is not uncommon for a trustee to spend an average of 15 hours per week on all the activities associated with the role, including:

  • reviewing agenda packages and attending board meetings and committee meetings
  • attending meetings as a representative of the school board
  • attending governance related professional learning events 
  • responding to telephone calls or e-mails, meeting requests and queries from constituents 

Regular Board meetings 2026-2027 

Meeting TypeDescription
Regular Board meetings 2026-2027 November 9 — Inaugural Board Meeting; 
December 2; 
January 27; 
February 24;
 April 28; 
June 2; 
June 23
Private Board meetings (in-camera) are usually held on the same day as public Board meetings starting at 5:00pm. They are used for matters that cannot be discussed publicly, such as legal, privacy or personnel issues.
Public Delegation Meetings 2026-2027 Public delegation meetings are held on the Monday before a regular public Board meeting.
Standing and advisory committee meetings 2026-2027

Standing committees of the Board usually meet four times per year, on Wednesdays at 5pm or later: 

  • Policy and governance committee
  • Facilities planning committee
  • Education Plan committee
  • Finance and personnel committee

The audit committee of the Board and the advocacy subcommittee meet three times a year during the day (i.e. before 5 p.m.)

Trustees serve as liaison or Board representatives to several civic committees. These assignments are determined annually. 

School eventsTrustees also attend school graduations and award ceremonies, usually in the end of May and through June and are invited to participate in many other events throughout the school year. 
British Columbia School Trustees Association events

BCSTA is a non-profit organization that represents elected boards of education across the province. It supports trustees through advocacy, training and advice to strengthen governance and promote high-quality, equitable public education.

Academy Dates: November 26-November 28, 2026
AGM Dates: April 15 – April 17, 2027

For more information on board meetings refer to:

What does a trustee do?

Trustees are elected members of the governing body for the school system. Their role is to take part in board decision-making.

Trustees must act honestly, prudently and in good faith. They are bound by the School Act and by VSB’s own policies, including the Trustee Code of Conduct.

What are trustees expected to do?
  • Attend and actively participate in Board meetings and committee meetings.
  • Read agendas, reports and Board policies to make well-informed decisions.
  • Bring community concerns and perspectives to the Board through appropriate channels.
  • Respect Board decisions, even when a trustee has not voted in favour of them.
  • Refer operational or administrative matters to the superintendent to ensure timely and appropriate follow-up.
  • Keep the Board informed of any matters that could affect the school district.
  • Support a positive and respectful culture within the Board and the school district.
  • Uphold the Trustee Code of Conduct at all times, including during the election period.

Read VSB Policy 3: Role of Trustee and Policy 4: Trustee Code of Conduct to learn more. 

What does the Board do?

The Board is the elected governing body of the Board of Education of School District No. 39 (Vancouver). It is a corporate body established under the School Act.

The Board sets the overall direction for the school district, approves the budget and ensures public resources are used responsibly. Once the Board decides a matter by vote, it becomes the decision of the Board as a whole. Trustees are expected to uphold Board decisions and communicate them clearly to the public.

The Board works in a co-governance relationship with the provincial government. The Ministry of Education and Child Care sets the direction for K–12 education, including curriculum, funding and legislation. The Ministry of Infrastructure is responsible for capital planning and funding approval for the school sector.

Key Board Responsibilities

AreaWhat the Board Does
Strategic PlanningSets the school district’s long-term vision and goals, and tracks progress against them each year.
Policy and BylawsCreates, reviews and approves the policies that guide how VSB operates.
Fiscal AccountabilityApproves budgets, financial statements and financial plans; and ensures public funds are used responsibly.
Human ResourcesAppoints and evaluates the superintendent; approves collective agreements and compensation plans for staff.
Political AdvocacyAdvocates for public education and the school district’s priorities with government, through the BC School Trustees Association (BCSTA) and other forums.
Governing vs. managing: Trustees set strategic direction and policy. Day-to-day decisions are management’s responsibility, led by the superintendent.

For more information, read
VSB Policy 2: Role of the Board
VSB Policy11: Board Delegation of Authority
VSB Policy 12: Role of the Superintendent

Additional Resources

City of Vancouver

VSB

 BCSTA

BC Government

Ministry of Education and Child Care

Elections BC

Legislation

Serve Your Community. Shape Public Education.

Nominations open September 1, 2026. Find out how to file your papers and what to expect as a candidate.

Candidate Information (City of Vancouver)

For accessibility support or to request this information in an alternate format, contact stoffice@vsb.bc.ca. 

Election administration is conducted by the City of Vancouver. Candidates should verify all deadlines with the Chief Election Officer.

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