Welcome to the New Board of Education
Back row left to right: Andrea Mears, Chésa Abma-Slade, Alexandra Bomphray, Trevor Barry, John Rice
Seated left to right: Tracy Humphreys (Vice-Chair), Ann Whiteaker (Chair), Maiya Beech
Newly elected Greater Victoria School Trustees were affirmed at the Inaugural Board of Education meeting last night. The new Board also held its annual elections for Board Chair and Vice-Chair.
Councillor Alicia Thomas from the Esquimalt First Nation and Phillip George of the Songhees First Nation began the evening with a Territorial Welcome.
The Indigenous Education Department, guided by Kolette Cristante, Rachel Trebilco, and Michelle Newman-Bennett, led students, staff, the new trustees, and meeting attendees with a beautiful drumming circle. Students then gifted the new trustees with drum-shaped medicine pouches.
Acting Secretary-Treasurer Joan Axford began the meeting by congratulating the nine newly elected trustees:
- Chésa Abma-Slade elected from Trustee Electoral Area 1: Esquimalt Nation
- John Rice elected from Trustee Electoral Area 2: Songhees Nation
- Alexandra Bomphray elected from Trustee Electoral Area 3: Highlands / View Royal
- Andrew Gage elected from Trustee Electoral Area 4: Esquimalt
- Maiya Beech elected from Trustee Electoral Area 5: Victoria
- Ann Whiteaker elected from Trustee Electoral Area 5: Victoria
- Trevor Barry elected from Trustee Electoral Area 6: Saanich
- Tracy Humphreys elected from Trustee Electoral Area 6: Saanich
- Andrea Mears elected from Trustee Electoral Area 7: Oak Bay
Ann Whiteaker was voted in by acclamation as Board Chair. Ann previously served two terms on the Greater Victoria School District Board of Education from 2014 to 2022. She served as Vice Chair from 2018 to 2020.
“I believe every learner deserves the best opportunity to thrive, grow, and feel a sense of belonging while at school,” says Board Chair, Ann Whiteaker. “My drive to support public education stems from my understanding of a child’s educational journey which I have seen through the eyes of my own three children. As Chair, I will also use my experience serving on many Parent Advisory Councils in a variety of executive roles to advocate for the success of all children in the public education system.”
Trustee Tracy Humphreys was voted in by acclamation as Vice-Chair of the Board of Education.
Trustee Andrew Gage was declared, in absentia, by the Chair as the British Columbia Public School Employers’ Association (BCPSEA) representative by acclamation.
Trustee Chésa Abma-Slade was elected by attending trustees to be the British Columbia School Trustees’ Association Provincial Councilor (BCSTA).
Trustees will vote for Committee Chairs at the first Joint Education / Operations Committee Meeting on November 16, 2026.
More Information
New Trustee Bios: https://www.sd61.bc.ca/board-of-education/about-the-board/
Recorded Inaugural meeting: https://youtu.be/4V5QZzrf3LA
Greater Victoria School District No. 61
community@sd61.bc.ca