Surrey First Education team seeks re-election

All six members of the Surrey Schools trustee team are seeking re-election in the fall

Surrey First Education team seeks re-election Published 11:00 am Thursday, July 16, 2026 Surrey First Education has announced that all current members of its trustee team are looking to return to the Surrey Board of Education in the upcoming civic election. The team includes Terry Allen, Bob Holmes, Laurie Larsen, Garry Thind, Gary Tymoschuk and Shawn Wilson.

“Over the past four years, our team has worked collaboratively with a clear focus on students, staff, and families,” Gary Tymoschuk, president of the Surrey First Education Society, said in a news release. “We are proud of what we have accomplished together and remain committed to ensuring every student has access to a high-quality public education in safe, inclusive, and welcome schools.” He added that, as the district continues to experience rapid growth, there is important work ahead to ensure students have the schools, resources and opportunities they deserve.

According to the release, the Surrey Board of Education has focused on responsible stewardship of public resources while advocating for the facilities, programs and supports needed to serve one of Canada’s fastest-growing school districts. The board has delivered “one of the most ambitious capital programs” in the Surrey school district’s history, the release adds. Since 2022, Surrey has opened two new schools, completed 10 school additions, and added more than 4,000 new student spaces to help address the ongoing enrolment growth.

Looking ahead, the board has approved more than 5,000 additional student spaces that are planned through a major expansion project that stretches across the district. The release also shares that Surrey students are also continuing to achieve strong outcomes. Eighty-seven per cent of students graduate, consistently exceeding the provincial average, and graduation rates for English Language Learners have surpassed provincial results every year since the 2019-20 school year.

Indigenous student completion rates have also continued to improve, which is a reflection of the Board’s commitment to ensuring success for all learners, the release continues. “Our trustees have demonstrated a collaborative, respectful, and student-centred approach to governance,” said Tymoschuk. “By listening to our community, working together, and keeping students at the heart of every decision, we have helped strengthen public education in Surrey.

We are excited about the opportunity to continue building on that progress.” Surrey First Education describes itself as a community-based team of trustees focused on student achievement, strong governance and advocacy for public education. The origanization says it is committed to ensuring Surrey students have the opportunities, supports and learning environments they need to succeed.

The civic election takes place in the fall, on Oct. 17,2026.