2026 School Trustee Elections
This is an informational pre-election page intended to help community members prepare for the upcoming qathet School District Trustee election, taking place on October 17, 2026. Details such as candidates and voting locations will be confirmed closer to the election period.
School Trustee elections are held every four years as part of BC's general local elections. In School District No. 47 (qathet), five (5) Trustees will be elected to serve a four-year term from 2026 to 2030.
Key Dates
- Election period begins: January 1, 2026
- Voter BC residency deadline: April 16, 2026
- Nomination packages available: August 17, 2026
- Nomination period begins: September 1, 2026
- qSD candidate information session: September 2, 2026
- Close of nominations/declaration of candidates: September 11, 2026
- Last day for candidates to withdraw: September 18, 2026
- Campaign period begins: September 19, 2026
- Advance voting days: October 7, 10, and 14, 2026
- General voting day: October 17, 2026
- Announcement of preliminary election results: October 17, 2026
- Last day for declaration of official election results by voting: October 21, 2026
- Disclosure statement filing deadline: January 15, 2027
- Late filing deadline for disclosure statements (with $500 fee): February 16, 2027
What School Trustees Do
School Trustees are elected members of the Board of Education. They work together to make decisions that support student success across the district.
The Ministry of Education and Child Care sets the direction for K-12 education, including the curriculum, funding amounts, and the legal framework within which boards operate. Boards are responsible for governing school districts based on the educational aspirations of their local communities and in accordance with the policy direction established by government.
School Trustees do not manage the day-to-day operations of schools. They help guide decisions that affect local schools, including:
- Governance & Policy: Developing and adopting policies that guide district operations and goals.
- Financial Oversight: Adopting the annual budget and making decisions on school resource allocation.
- Community Representation: Listening to community, parent, and student concerns, and advocating for local educational needs.
- Hiring & Evaluation: Hiring and reviewing the performance of the school district superintendent.
- Strategic Planning: Setting long-term goals and educational priorities for the district.
Read more here: https://bcsta.org/trustee-responsibilities/
Considering Running for School Trustee? Click the image below to learn more:
Looking for more information about who can vote, how voting works, your voting options, and other information about this fall’s upcoming election? Learn more here:
qathet Regional District - 2026 General Local Elections
City of Powell River - Elections 2026
Learn more about being a School Trustee:
BC School Trustees Association
Your Guide to Becoming a School Trustee
The Role of Boards of Education and Trustees in BC
School Trustee Election Procedures
Nomination Package:
Those interested in running as a School Trustee candidate in the 2026 General Local Election can download the School Trustee Nomination Package. Packages may be also be picked up in hard copy from Powell River City Hall during regular business hours (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, excluding holidays).
Learn more about qathet School District:
District Mission, Vision, and Values
School Calendars: 2025-2026, 2026-2027, and 2027-2028
Enhancing Student Learning Report (ESLR) 2025
District Plans and Annual Reports
Policy 7 - Appendix - Trustee Election Bylaw