Greater Victoria School District faces major trustee turnover

The Greater Victoria School District (SD 61) is facing a significant leadership shift ahead of the October elections. Only one incumbent trustee, Angela Carmichael, is seeking re-election, while eight other colleagues will not be running again.

This turnover follows a period of instability. In January 2025, B.C. Minister of Education Lisa Beare dismissed the board following a dispute regarding the school police liaison program. Although the trustees successfully challenged the dismissal in the B.C. Supreme Court, the district has dealt with ongoing governance issues and legal matters.

Observers suggest that online vitriol and personal attacks may have contributed to the decision by incumbents not to seek another term. In the upcoming municipal election, candidates will run in specific zones rather than region-wide for the first time, meaning voters will select eight new trustees on October 17.