A new Vancouver School Board formally took office on Nov. 2, marking the beginning of the Board’s 2026–30 term.

The Oath of Office ceremony brought trustees together with representatives of the three Host Nations, district staff and invited guests.

xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) councillor and rights holder Kim Guerin welcomed those gathered and shared opening remarks. Les George, rights holder from səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), shared a song to begin the evening. Arthur Macapagal, chief of staff, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) joined on behalf of the Nation. 

“While everyone in this room has a different role in supporting public education, we share a common purpose: a commitment to student learning and well-being, and to strong, inclusive public education,” says superintendent Helen McGregor. “We look forward to working with the Board in service of students, families and communities across Vancouver.”

Following the opening, secretary-treasurer Flavia Coughlan read the official elections results and administered the Oath of Office. All nine trustees-elect stood to take the oath and signed it before taking their places as members of the 2026–30 Vancouver School Board.

The nine trustees elected to serve the four-year term are Rory Brown, Steve Cardwell, Melanie Cheng, Gwen Giesbrecht, Suzie Mah, Alisha Masongsong, Derrick O’Keefe, Krista Sigurdson and Julie Strilesky.

Board elects chair and vice-chair

Following the Oath of Office ceremony, trustees attended the inaugural Board meeting of the newly constituted Board and elected Suzie Mah as chair and Steve Cardwell as vice-chair until November 2027.

“The Board has important work ahead of us,” says Mah. “We must champion inclusive, safe and welcoming schools; support our teachers and staff; advocate for the resources our students need; and ensure that every learner has opportunities to thrive. I look forward to doing this work with my fellow trustees.”

“As vice-chair, I will do my part to listen carefully and approach our work with great respect, transparency, openness and a clear focus on the students we are here to serve,” says Cardwell. “After all, our schools are more than buildings. They are about people – the students, the families and our employees. Our schools are the heart of our communities and the soul of our neighbourhoods.”

The Board elects its chair and vice-chair each year for a one-year term. The chair presides over Board meetings, safeguards the integrity of Board processes and serves as spokesperson for the Board. The vice-chair assists the chair and acts on their behalf when the chair is absent or as delegated.