British Columbia general local government elections are held every four years, including the elections for the offices of School District Trustees. The next local government election general voting day is October 17, 2026.

Board Composition:

The Board of Education of School District No. 71 (Comox Valley) is comprised of 7 Trustees, covering six areas in the Comox Valley. Further information can be found in the Board’s Trustee Electoral Bylaw

Trustee Electoral Areas

Comox Valley Schools (School District 71) is represented by seven elected trustees from across the district.

Trustees are elected to represent the following areas:

• City of Courtenay: 2 trustees
• Town of Comox: 1 trustee
• Village of Cumberland: 1 trustee
• Electoral Area A: 1 trustee (Baynes Sound, Hornby & Denman Islands)
• Electoral Area B: 1 trustee (Lazo North)
• Electoral Area C: 1 trustee (Puntledge – Black Creek)

Each trustee represents the interests of all students and the entire school district, while also bringing the perspectives of their local communities to the Board table.

Key Election Dates

The following dates are subject to confirmation by local Chief Election Officers.

Date	Event
August 26, 2026	Candidate Information Session
September 1-11, 2026	Nomination Period
September 11, 2026	Declaration of Candidates
September 18, 2026	Candidate Withdraw Deadline
October 17, 2026	General Local Election
October 27, 2026	Oath of Office Ceremony
November 10, 2026	Inaugural Board Meeting
November 17, 2026	Board Orientation Session
November 24, 2026	1st Regular Board Meeting

Successful candidates should be prepared for orientation and governance training shortly after the election, with Board activities beginning soon after trustees take office.

Role of the Trustee:

School trustees are elected community leaders who help shape the future of public education in the Comox Valley. Working together as a Board of Education, trustees set the strategic direction for the school district, establish policies, oversee the responsible use of public resources, and ensure students have access to high-quality learning opportunities.

Trustees serve as a vital link between their communities and the public education system. They listen to the perspectives of students, families, staff, and community members and bring those voices to Board discussions and decision-making.

While trustees are elected from specific electoral areas, they are responsible for making decisions that support the success and well-being of all students across the district. Trustees focus on governance and long-term planning, while the Superintendent is responsible for the day-to-day operation of schools and district programs.

By providing leadership, accountability, and stewardship, trustees help ensure that public education continues to meet the needs of students today and into the future.

Candidate Information Session

Thinking about running for school trustee?

Join district staff Tuesday, August 26, 2026

To learn about:

• The role of a school trustee
• Time commitments and responsibilities
• Board governance
• Election process
• Questions and answers

Please fill out this Registration form if you would like to participate:

Trustee Candidate Information Session Registration – Fill out form

Resources:

Nomination packages for each electoral area will be available via local government offices:

• Information for Candidates
• Local government elections
• Nomination Packages & Information

If you are considering running, the following resources provide an excellent overview of the role of school trustees and the election process.

• BC School Trustees Association Candidate Guide
• BC School Trustees Association Election Information
• Elections BC – 2026 General Local Elections

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Serving as a Trustee Right for You?

School trustees are community leaders who are passionate about public education and committed to serving the best interests of all students.

Successful trustees typically:

• Value collaboration and respectful dialogue
• Focus on governance and strategic oversight
• Foster inclusion and welcome varied perspectives
• Consider the needs of the entire district when making decisions
• Commit the time required to prepare for and attend Board and committee meetings, as well as school, district and community events

How long is a trustee’s term?

Trustees are elected for a four-year term.

Do trustees work full time?

Trustees receive an honorarium for their service and attend regular Board meetings, school and district events, committee meetings, professional learning opportunities, community events throughout the year.

Am I eligible to run as a Trustee?

Eligibility requirements are established under provincial legislation. Candidate eligibility and nomination requirements are available through Elections BC and the Chief Election Officer.

The overall qualifications for nomination, election and appointment are that the person meet the following requirements:

• An individual who is, or will be on general voting day or effective date of appointment, age 18 or older;
• A Canadian citizen;
• A resident of British Columbia for at least six months before the date of the nomination, election, or appointment; and
• Not disqualified under the School Act or any other enactment from being nominated for, elected to, or holding office as trustee. [School Act, section 32 (1)]

Do trustees manage schools or staff?

School trustees provide leadership and oversight for the district by setting priorities and making governance decisions that support student success. The Superintendent and district staff are responsible for implementing those decisions and managing the daily operations of schools and district programs.

Contact

For questions about the School Trustee Election, please contact: trusteeelection@sd71.bc.ca.

Or your local government’s Chief Election Officer.