Email from Kiersten Fisher re: Seeking Feedback: Proposed Variance to School District 61 Trustee Electoral Areas
Communication from the Ministry of Education and Child Care seeking feedback on a proposal to create seven Trustee Electoral Areas for School District 61.
From: ECC Governance & Legislation ECC:EX EDUC.Governance.Legislation@gov.bc.ca
Sent: October 24, 2025 4:55 PM
To: Info Address info@viewroyal.ca
Subject: Seeking Feedback: Proposed Variance to School District 61 Trustee Electoral Areas
Dear Mayor and Council,
I am writing to inform you of proposed amendments to the Trustee Electoral Areas (TEAs) within School District (SD) 61 (Greater Victoria) (Attached). The proposed new model is intended to promote broader and more inclusive representation on the SD 61 board, although it should be noted that there is no requirement under the School Act for candidates to reside in the TEA in which they are running for election.
Currently, SD 61 elects trustees at large. The Official Trustee has submitted a proposal to create seven TEAs while maintaining nine trustees with the following areas:
| Proposed TEA Names | Number of Trustees |
|---|---|
| Esquimalt Nation | 1 |
| Songhees Nation | 1 |
| View Royal / Highlands | 1 |
| Oak Bay | 1 |
| Esquimalt | 1 |
| Saanich | 2 |
| Victoria | 2 |
| TOTAL | 9 |
As part of our commitment to hearing local government perspectives, we are seeking your input on the proposed changes. We recognize that the task force formed by the Official Trustee included representation from the Town of View Royal, and we want to ensure that you have an opportunity to provide any feedback you would like the Minister of Education and Child Care to consider in her decision.
We welcome any comments you wish to provide, prior to November 7, 2025. If you prefer to discuss, we can be available to meet.
Sincerely,
Kiersten Fisher (she/her)
Executive Director, Governance and Legislation Branch
Governance, Accountability and Workforce Division | Ministry of Education and Child Care