The Vancouver School Board held its first regular public meeting of 2026 on the evening of January 28. 

Watch the recording of the live stream 
Read the full agenda package

Superintendent’s update

Superintendent Helen McGregor opened the meeting with a tribute to Kyle Chen, a Grade 12 student at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary, recognizing his creativity, leadership, and emerging talent in architecture and design.

Her update to the Board also featured a brief overview of recent activities across the District, including the official opening of Henry Hudson Elementary in December. She noted accomplishments by VSB students in the CBC Music Class Challenge and Literacy Days that brought together elementary educators to deepen foundational literacy and language instruction. McGregor also shared details about John Oliver’s Black Excellence Day hackathon, progress in recruitment with 100 new teachers-on-call and support staff onboarded in the month of January, and ongoing efforts to strengthen connections with families through the VSB podcast, VSB Voices and the annual budget survey.

Board business

The Board received the facilities planning committee report and addressed several matters arising from it. Notably, the Board approved the Environmental Sustainability Plan. This sets out VSB’s long-term strategy for reducing its environmental impact. Funding from the Ministry of Education’s restricted capital was also approved for the Lord Roberts Annex (LRA) replacement project.

In addition, the Board endorsed the 2025–2026 National School Food Program spending plan, with a focus equitable access to nutritious food for students across VSB schools. 

During this meeting, three notices of motion were approved for submission to the BC School Trustees Association (BCSTA) annual general meeting. The Board also received updates from trustee representatives to external organizations and confirmed the 2026 trustee appointments to both standing committees and outside groups.
 
Student trustee report

Student trustee, Freddie Zhang, highlighted results of this year’s CANley Cup, which raised nearly 270,000 cans for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and local charities. He also informed the Board that the VDSC also hosted its second district-wide Spirit Day, including themes such as Frog Without a Dog and DJs in PJs.

Additionally, Zhang noted that planning is underway for the annual Sister School Switch, designed to build student connections across the District. The VDSC is also preparing an upcoming student-led panel and continuing its student leadership grant work.

Question period
 
In addition to the online submission link, attendees in the room were able to submit questions. No questions were received during this meeting.