Candidates announce runs for school board trustee positions in British Columbia

Two candidates have announced their runs for school board trustee positions in British Columbia.

In West Kelowna, eighteen-year-old Samuel Robson is seeking a seat on the School District 23 board. A recent graduate of Mount Boucherie Secondary School and current UBCO student, Robson intends to use his recent student experience to advocate for capital investment to address overcrowded and aging schools. His platform includes reinstating letter grades and adding practical life skills—such as personal finance, taxes, and job application preparation—to the curriculum.

In the Qualicum School District, Garry Pendergast is running for a trustee position. Pendergast brings a background in education as a former teacher, principal, administrator, and lecturer. Having previously served as a school trustee in Revelstoke from 2018 to 2022, he aims to focus on math instruction and support for children with exceptional needs. He also emphasized the importance of providing increased support and training for teachers and educational assistants.