Richard Gauthier

Background

Richard Gauthier has worked in School District No. 23 (SD23) for more than 22 years across elementary, middle, and secondary levels, and is the district's first Indigenous Wellness Worker and Indigenous Student Advocate. He currently sits on the SD23 Indigenous Education Council.

• richardgauthier.ca https://www.richardgauthier.ca
• https://ca.linkedin.com/in/richard-gauthier-1241a7a2

He is a former president of Okanagan Metis Family Services and a former president of the Kelowna Masters Racquetball Association. He has coached racquetball at the provincial, national, and World Junior levels, and received a Community Sport Hero Award from the City of Kelowna and Sport Kelowna.

• richardgauthier.ca https://www.richardgauthier.ca

2026 Campaign

Gauthier is running for one of the four school-trustee seats on the Kelowna ballot. His slogan is "Listen. Lead. Put Students First.", and his campaign website is richardgauthier.ca, with Facebook, X ("@richard4trustee"), Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts.

His stated priorities are stronger per-student funding advocacy, transparency and accessibility from trustees, safe and inclusive schools, and expanded pathways in trades, technology, arts, and athletics. He frames his central question as "Is this in the best interest of our students?"

• richardgauthier.ca https://www.richardgauthier.ca

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Questionnaire responses

Answers to the standardized Kelowna Elections questionnaire, sent in identical form to every school trustee candidate. Published verbatim; received 2026-09-30.

1. Student learning & wellbeing

I would continue to support and advocate for multi-tiered support models, inclusive education frameworks, and targeted social-emotional learning (SEL) initiatives as well as increased indigenous student tracking. Among my top priorities would be belonging and safety, enhanced numeracy, increasing literacy at higher grade levels and targeting support models for priority student populations.

2. Growth & school space

The past and current school board has worked relentlessly to address new school builds as well as additions and renovations within SD23. The new school board needs to continue to build on these by submitting strong prioritized capital plans to the provincial government for approval. By continuing with enrollment analysis and needs assessments we can prioritize which areas of growth need either new schools and additions. We can also keep pursuing the fast tracking system of prefabricated classrooms-modular buildings.

3. Safe & inclusive schools

SOGI 123 has now been in BC school districts for 10 years. SOGI 123 is a set of resources and tools that teachers can use when needed to create more inclusive classrooms. They're resources to use to prevent bullying, slurs and create understanding among our students. I would continue to advocate for our school district and classrooms to use the SOGI resources when needed to help build a safe, welcoming inclusive environment. One where students feel a sense of belonging. Students who feel they belong, want to come to school. Students who want to come to school will have more success and chances of reaching graduation.

4. Support for students who need more

SD 23 needs to continue strengthening its multi-layered framework built on proactive design, personal empowerment (agency), and accessible structural resources. I would advocate for funding to be targeted towards direct student support-mental health resources-Certified Education Assistant at a level that meets the district students needs.

5. Budget & funding

SD 23 currently builds its annual budget plan around the core principle that the student comes first. While most of the provincial funding goes to staff wages, what is left needs to be allocated to ensuring all resources align directly with the district's strategic plan and school-level goals. Our board of trustees always needs to ask the question… Is this in the best interest of our students?

6. Indigenous education & reconciliation

School districts serve as a critical bridge between government mandates and classroom reality. School districts are agents in reconciliation and Indigenous education. As an Indigenous person running for School Trustee I am pleased that SD23 has in 2025 signed the Equity in Action agreement that runs until 2030. Equity and progress towards Reconciliation becomes evident in the District's continued focus on implementing equitable opportunities to support Indigenous student well-being and success. When I worked in the Indigenous Education Department for SD23, my principal Joanne DeGuevara used to say: "we are guided by the Past, invigorated by the Present, and providing for the Future." As a trustee I will be a strong advocate for our district to continue on the path of truth and reconciliation.

7. The trustee's role

A trustees job is to serve as advocates for public education. Trustees don't represent a constituency per se, but they do represent the whole community's interests while maintaining the core focus on student achievement and well-being. Establish the Long range strategic plan. Develop and fine tune policies. Ensure that provincial funding is effectively allocated in a way that enhances and supports educational programs. Maintaining open and transparent lines of communication with parents and families, staff and community members. I strongly advocate for the board of trustee to continue to work with partner groups within the school system, COTA, CUPE, COPAC and others to ensure that decisions are made that are in the best interest of our students.