British Columbia School Trustees Association

BCSTA's executive team and board of directors met with Minister of Education and Child Care Lisa Beare yesterday for a productive discussion on early literacy initiatives, the upcoming school trustee elections, and key developments across BC's K–12 public education sector.

Conversations like these strengthen the partnership between BCSTA and the Ministry, and we look forward to continuing to work together in support of students, families, and communities across British Columbia.

This week, Canada celebrates National AccessAbility Week 2026 under the theme "Building a Strong, Accessible Canada". BCSTA believes building a strong, accessible Canada, starts in the classroom. 🏫

Inclusive, accessible public education is foundational to a stronger B.C. and a stronger Canada. B.C.'s boards of education have both the responsibility and the opportunity to ensure every student is seen, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Strong, stable public school funding is one of the most powerful levers we have. When schools have the resources they need, they can build the programs, supports, and environments that allow students with disabilities and diverse abilities to thrive. Continued investment in public education is essential to making that a reality.

Improving Student Outcomes For Students with Disabilities and Diverse Abilities, a report developed by BCSTA’s Inclusion and Accessibility working group, gives boards the tools to use data and evidence-based governance to ensure every student has an equitable path to success.

➡️ ‍Read the full report here:https://bcsta.org/wp-content/uploads/2024-BCSTA-Inclusion-and-Accessibility-Report-06.02.25.pdf

June is Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈

BCSTA celebrates the resilience, strength, and leadership of 2SLGBTQIA+ students, families, educators, and community members who enrich schools across B.C.

This month — and every month — we reaffirm our commitment to safe and inclusive schools where every person can show up authentically and be respected for who they are.

Happy Pride to all who are celebrating! 🌈

BCSTA's executive team met with Lynne Block, MLA for West Vancouver–Capilano and Official Opposition Critic for Education. Our conversation covered issues shaping public education in BC — including recent legislation in Ontario and other jurisdictions that have sought to reduce the democratic decision-making authority of locally elected school trustees.

That national context gave real weight to our exchange and underscored why the conversations BCSTA is having with government and opposition leaders matter so much right now.

We were encouraged by MLA Block's reaffirmation of strong support for locally and democratically elected boards of education and the essential role school trustees play in public education in BC. Her recognition that diverse boards — composed of trustees reflecting the full range of community backgrounds and perspectives — are fundamental to effective governance resonates deeply with BCSTA's mission.

Her commitment to seeing trustees, the Ministry of Education and Child Care, and the provincial government work in collaboration toward shared education goals reflects the spirit in which BCSTA approaches its own advocacy work, and we look forward to continuing that dialogue with provincial leaders.

With provincial school trustee elections on October 17, 2026, support for the elected trustee model from provincial leaders matters. BCSTA is committed to ensuring British Columbians understand the trustee role and their importance to public education in BC.

BCSTA values its relationship with MLA Block as the Official Opposition Critic for Education and looks forward to continued engagement on student success and the future of public education across British Columbia.

On May 17, BCSTA acknowledges the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.

🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈 We are committed to fostering school environments across BC where every 2SLGBTQIA+ student, staff member, and community member feels safe, valued, and respected.

Thank you to the Hotel Pacifico Podcast for promoting BCSTA on this week’s episode to speak on the upcoming BC School Trustee Elections October 17th.

School trustees are locally elected representatives who govern and serve their local boards of education across BC. If you believe in strong governance and quality public education for every student, this could be your opportunity to serve.

⬇️ Check out the episode to hear what we had to say: https://bit.ly/4wCgXUT

🔗 Learn what it means to run in this upcoming election and access candidate resources:➡️ http://bcsta.org/elections

BCSTA President Tracy Loffler, CEO Trevor Davies, and Deputy CEO Michael Rossi met with the Ministry of Education and Child Care staff in Victoria to discuss the motions passed by school trustees at the BCSTA 2026 AGM.

The meeting was an opportunity to delve deeper into member motions and priorities, help refine BCSTA advocacy efforts, and hear about the Ministry’s ongoing initiatives aligned with the motions.

The BCSTA also met with the Minister of Education and Child Care, Lisa Beare, for a broader conversation on the state of school trustee governance in British Columbia.

Given the ongoing debate and proposed legislative changes in Ontario and BCSTA’s commitment to meet with both the Minister and the Opposition Critic, we were encouraged by the Minister’s reaffirmation of her support for locally and democratically elected boards of education and their unique co-governance relationship with the Ministry. Minister Beare also voiced her support for the professional learning, guidance and governance assistance provided by BCSTA.

Looking ahead, BCSTA staff will develop an implementation plan to guide motion advocacy throughout the year.

Thank you to Minister Beare and Ministry staff for their continued partnership and commitment to public education in British Columbia. We look forward to the work ahead.

🎓 📢 The BC School Trustee Elections are set for October 17th, 2026, and the BCSTA is calling on passionate community leaders who care about public education to consider putting their names forward.

"Being a school trustee is one of the most rewarding roles you can take on in your community. Every decision you make has a direct impact on students — on the quality of their education, the safety of their schools, and the opportunities available to them. Trustees are often unseen champions of public education, and this work truly matters.” — Carolyn Broady, Past President, BCSTA

School trustees are locally elected representatives who govern and serve their local boards of education across BC. If you believe in strong governance and quality public education for every student, this could be your opportunity to serve.

🔗 Read the media release to learn more: https://bit.ly/4nvp5m0

🔗 Learn what it means to run in this upcoming election and access candidate resources:
➡️ www.bcsta.org/elections