Greater Victoria School District Transitions to Ward Election System

The Greater Victoria School District (SD61) is implementing a significant change in its electoral process. Beginning with the upcoming elections on October 17, 2024, the board will shift from an at-large voting system to a ward system, dividing the district into seven distinct trustee electoral areas. This change aims to enhance representation for the various municipalities within the district.

This new model arises in response to a request from the Township of Esquimalt made in October 2024. Following a period of administrative changes, including the removal of the previous school board by British Columbia’s education minister, the district established a task force to explore the feasibility of a ward model. This task force included representatives from SD61, local municipalities, the Capital Regional District, and the Esquimalt and Songhees nations.

Sherri Bell, the official trustee appointed by the ministry, expressed her appreciation for the task force’s efforts. In a statement, she noted, “I thank the Task Force for engaging in honest conversations that ultimately led to the Trustee Electoral Area Variation Proposal submitted to the Ministry in late September. I extend my gratitude to the community for their genuine curiosity and thoughtful questions throughout the engagement process.”

Under the new system, five of the seven electoral areas will each elect one trustee, while both the Victoria and Saanich areas will be represented by two trustees each. This structure aims to ensure that trustees have a closer connection to their communities, addressing local needs more effectively.

The Ministry of Education and Child Care in British Columbia has approved the new electoral framework, allowing the school district to prepare for the upcoming elections. The Greater Victoria School District serves over 20,000 students, which includes more than 1,000 international students and over 650 adult learners enrolled in its Continuing Education Program. The district comprises 28 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, and seven high schools.

As the school district transitions to this new electoral model, officials plan to provide the community with updates regarding the logistics of the elections, details on how to become a school trustee, and the changes voters can expect. The engagement with the community will remain a priority as SD61 navigates this important shift in governance.

This change marks a significant moment for the Greater Victoria School District, reflecting a commitment to improved local representation and community involvement in educational governance.