COMMUNITY members, education partners, staff and families came together for the inaugural meeting of the newly elected Surrey Board of Education, marking the beginning of the board’s 2026-2030 term of office.
Following the October 17 municipal election, voters elected seven trustees to serve the students and families of Surrey and White Rock. Returning trustees Terry Allen, Laurie Larsen, Bob Holmes, Shawn Wilson are joined by two newly elected trustees Dr. Michelle Ceniza, and White Rock trustee Laura Lattanzio.
At the inaugural meeting, trustees elected a board chair, Laurie Larsen who is former City of Surrey employee, past President of CUPE Local 402 and has served as a Surrey School Trustee for 18 years as Board Chair and Vice-Chair. Trustees also elected Vice-Chair Bob Holmes who brings more than 12 years of trustee experience and serves as Vice-President of the BC School Trustees Association in his fifth year on the provincial board.
“Alongside our returning trustees, I am excited to continue serving the families of Surrey and White Rock and advancing the important work of our school district,” said Larsen. “I am pleased to warmly welcome newly elected trustees Dr. Michelle Ceniza and Laura Lattanzio. We look forward to working together as a Board, drawing on our shared commitment to supporting student success and strengthening public education.”
The inauguration ceremony brought together representatives from partner groups, employee associations, families and invited guests to recognize the important role trustees play in representing community voice in public education.
Superintendent Mark Pearmain acknowledged the responsibility entrusted to elected school boards and their role in shaping the future of education in Surrey and White Rock.
“Trustees are strong advocates for our students, staff and families, and they provide the governance and strategic oversight that guide B.C.’s largest school district,” said Pearmain. “Their leadership helps make equitable, high-quality learning experiences a reality for every student in our care.”
Surrey Schools can confirm Garry Thind will be disqualified from being a school trustee once he assumes his role as MLA for Surrey-Guildford in the coming weeks. The school district will abide by processes in the Local Government Acti to determine how this seat will be filled.
The Surrey Board of Education is responsible for establishing the district’s strategic priorities, approving budgets, setting policy, liaising with partners and planning for the future of public education in Surrey and White Rock. The board governs on behalf of approximately 83,000-plus students and oversees a school district that includes more than 130 schools and over 13,000 employees.
Public board meetings are held regularly at the District Education Centre, 14033 92 Avenue, Surrey. Meeting agendas, minutes, livestreams and trustee contact information are available at surreyschools.ca.
