The Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education held its Inaugural Board Meeting on Monday November 2, 2026, marking a new beginning for the Board following the 2026 General Local Elections. 

School trustees are elected for four-year terms and serve as locally elected representatives who help shape public education in their communities. Trustees provide governance and oversight for the Kamloops-Thompson School District by supporting student success, setting strategic direction, establishing policies, and overseeing budgets.

At the start of the Inaugural Board Meeting, each trustee took the Oath of Office, formally committing to serve on the Board of Education for the 2026-2030 term.

The Board of Education for the 2026-2030 term includes:

• Heather Grieve (Kamloops)
• Cole Hickson (Kamloops)
• Kathleen Karpuk (Kamloops) 
• Troylana Manson (Kamloops)
• John O'Fee (Kamloops)
• Shelley Sim (North Thompson)
• Bronwen Bird (Barriere/Little Fort)
• Diane Jules (Chase)
• Cara McKelvey (Logan Lake)

At the Inaugural Board Meeting, trustees elected the positions of Chair, Vice-Chair, British Columbia School Trustees' Association (BCSTA) Provincial Council Representative, and British Columbia Public School Employers' Association (BCPSEA) Representative for the 2026-2027 year.

All positions were unopposed and acclaimed as follows: 

Board Chair – Heather Grieve

Trustee Heather Grieve thanked her fellow trustees for entrusting her with the role of Board Chair for another year and expressed her appreciation for those who contribute to public education.

“It is honestly a privilege to sit alongside the people around this table and the people who have joined us around the room who are a part of what makes the education system what it is and makes it better,” said Chair Grieve.

As Board Chair, Heather Grieve will preside over Regular Public Board Meetings and serve as the primary spokesperson for the Board of Education. The Chair also works closely with senior district leadership and trustees to support effective governance and advance the Board's strategic priorities.

Vice Chair – Cara McKelvey

Following her acclamation as Vice-Chair, Trustee Cara McKelvey thanked her fellow trustees for their confidence and expressed enthusiasm for taking on the new role.

“I look forward to this new challenge. I have never done this before, so I’m looking forward to learning alongside all of you,” said Vice-Chair McKelvey.

The Vice-Chair assists the Chair’s work, presides over the In-Camera Board Meetings and assumes chairing responsibilities when required, and serves as the proxy holder for the Board’s Business Company. 

British Columbia School Trustees' Association Provincial Council – Kathleen Karpuk

The BCSTA Provincial Council Representative serves as the Board's voice within the provincial trustee association, bringing forward local advocacy priorities while sharing provincial developments and emerging issues with the Board of Education.

British Columbia Public School Employers' Association – Cole Hickson

Trustee Cole Hickson was acclaimed as the Board's representative to the BC Public School Employers' Association (BCPSEA), where he will continue advocating for the Board's priorities at the provincial level.

“Looking forward to doing the great work at BCPSEA,” said Trustee Hickson.

The BCPSEA Representative acts as a liaison between the Board of Education and BCPSEA on matters related to public education employment and labour relations, helping ensure the Board remains informed on provincial developments and employer perspectives.

As the newly formed Board begins its four-year term, trustees will continue to focus on supporting student success, developing a new District Strategic Plan, advocating for public education including capital investment, and strengthening partnerships with students, families, staff, rights holders, and community partners throughout the region.

To stay informed about Board news, trustee information, and Board meeting agendas and minutes, visit sd73.bc.ca/board-of-education.