b'June 2025BCSTA Annual Report toCanadian School Boards AssociationIntroductionDavid Swankey ChilliwackSchoolDistrict The British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA) Catherine ZaitsoffKootenay-Columbia School Districtis proud to present this annual report to the CanadianCarolyn BroadyPast President - Non-voting member School Boards Association (CSBA). The BCSTA champions until April 2026 - West Vancouver School Districtgood governance practices among school boards in BritishTrevor DaviesCEONon-voting memberColumbia through exceptional professional developmentand province-wide advocacy, all dedicated to ensuringthe success of every student across the province. As thesole nonpartisan organization representing boards ofeducation, BCSTA has been a steadfast champion for goodgovernance in public education for 120 years. This reportprovides an overview of the key advocacy and professionaldevelopment efforts undertaken by the organization overthe past year, with a focus on this goal.Leadership TransitionWith ther etirements of both CEO Suzanne Hoffman and Deputy CEO Carmen Batista, and the election of a newBoard of Directors, the BCSTA has undergone a significantleadership transition this year. AdvocacyIn September 2024, Trevor Davies was selected asThe new board has already focused its efforts on key the CEO of BCSTA. With extensive experience in boardpriorities and is currently preparing for advocacy throughgovernance, financial management and advocacy acrossthe provincial budget process. The board knows that thevarious sectors, Trevor has taken on the role of leadingK-12 public education system in British Columbia is at aBCSTA with enthusiasm. critical juncture, facing the consequences of funding thatIncoming Deputy CEO Michael Rossi brings a wealthhas not kept pace with the myriad of pressures boards nowof experience and a deep commitment to educationalface. Boards of Education are grappling with significantleadership to his new role. Michael has held several keydeficits that directly compromise their ability to deliver theteaching and administrative positions during his 16-yearhigh-quality education students deserve. To strengthen itscareer with the Vancouver School District. advocacy efforts, the BCSTA is preparing a presentationA new Board of Directors was elected at the recent BCSTAand follow-up submission to the Select Standing Committeeon Finance and Government Services, as well as a detailedAGM 2025. The new Board will provide leadership over thewritten budget submission to share with the government. next two years as the association continues its work to strengthen public education and empower locally electedThe focus of BCSTAs presentation will be on two key boards of education across British Columbia. areas. Although there are many areas of advocacy, BCSTAs The new Board of Directors for the BCSTA are: five-minute presentation will focus on two critical concerns President: Tracy LofflerMission School Districtraised by members:Vice-President: Bob HolmesSurrey School DistrictBCs K-12 public education system needs more Directors: equitable and sustainable non-targeted funding.andRoxanne GulickPeace River South School DistrictSpecific and dedicated support to hire, train and retain Erica McLeanPrince George School Districtqualified teachers and support staff, particularly in George NelsonNisgaa School Districtrural and remote areas. bcsta.org47'