Val Johnson

Background

Val Johnson (full name Valene Johnson) is the incumbent school trustee for the Kelowna ward and currently serves as Chair of the School District No. 23 (SD23) Board of Education. She was first elected trustee in 2022. She describes herself as a parent and a long-time advocate for children and families with a background in early-childhood education.

• Kelowna Capital News, September 8, 2026 https://kelownacapnews.com/2026/09/08/kelownas-val-johnson-seeking-re-election-as-school-trustee

Record

Johnson points to her first term's work as including investments in school infrastructure, the hiring of a new Superintendent of Schools, the refresh of the district's Strategic Plan, and the modernization of board policies and governance practices.

• Kelowna Capital News, September 8, 2026 https://kelownacapnews.com/2026/09/08/kelownas-val-johnson-seeking-re-election-as-school-trustee

2026 Campaign

Johnson is seeking re-election to one of the four school-trustee seats on the Kelowna ballot. She is the only incumbent trustee seeking re-election in the Kelowna ward. She campaigns on Facebook as "ValJohnsonSD23" and on LinkedIn; she has not published a dedicated campaign website. She has said: "Serving on the Central Okanagan Board of Education has been one of the most meaningful opportunities of my life… strong communities are built when we support children and families at every stage of their journey. Public education plays a vital role in that foundation."

• Kelowna Capital News, September 8, 2026 https://kelownacapnews.com/2026/09/08/kelownas-val-johnson-seeking-re-election-as-school-trustee

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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 2026-10-02.

1. Student learning & wellbeing

As a current trustee, our Board recently approved the Strategic Plan 2026-2031 which is a refresh of the previous plan. The priorities that can be found in the plan are: Student Experience and Outcomes, Family and Community Connections, Responsible Stewardship. Focus areas included in Student Experience and Outcomes are: Strong Foundations and Future Readiness. This focus ensures that learning is designed with students at the centre. Literacy, numeracy, career exploration and building upon strengths and gifts our students currently possess. As a trustee, it's incredibly important that I review data focused on student learning and ensure that we have policies that support student achievement learning & wellbeing. In addition to policy review and implementation, it's also important to ask for updates and ask questions regarding administrative procedures which are the responsibility of the Superintendent.

2. Growth & school space

Over the past 4 years, our district has seen significant capital investments. North Glenmore Elementary and Chief Tomat Elementary received expansions. Black Mountain Elementary is undergoing an expansion to increase capacity. Ecole Dr. Knox Middle School, Ecole Hudson Road Elementary, and Webber Road Elementary received additions. Ecole George Pringle Secondary will be opening in 2027 and a new middle school on Burtch Rd will create 800 new seats. Now, we know that there is still more that needs to be done. I plan on continuing to advocate for capital investments with a priority focus on an addition to Rutland Middle School to provide accessibility and updated spaces.

3. Safe & inclusive schools

As a trustee, my focus is ensuring that policies that govern the school district are based on the foundations of safety and inclusiveness. The Ministry of Education and Child Care SOGI policy framework is grounded in the BC Human Rights Code. It's important to share the truths regarding SOGI and dispel the misinformation and disinformation that continues to be shared. SOGI includes resources for educators to ensure their learning spaces are safe and welcoming. The outcomes of SOGI are acceptance, belonging, respect, and a greater understanding of diversity and inclusion for all.

4. Support for students who need more

As a trustee, support for students with additional needs means ensuring that our district adheres to the Ministry of Education and Child Care policies and guidelines that outline the requirements for inclusive education. When I'm re-elected, I want to see an advocacy plan focused on funding and resources, that includes trustees, educators, support staff, and parents to bring forward a broad perspective to the Ministry. Collective voice is always more impactful than individual voice. It is the responsibility of the Superintendent to ensure that resources are directed appropriately and it's the responsibility of the Board to ask for feedback, data, and ensure smart budget oversight.

5. Budget & funding

I think it's important that trustees refer to the strategic plan to support budget prioritizations. Listening to recommendations from senior staff while supporting district priorities is a balance that trustees learn to navigate. Advocacy is incredibly important and areas such as, Capital Investments, Accessibility Upgrades, Per Pupil Funding that keeps pace with inflation, and flexibility instead of restrictive Targeted Funding deserve attention from trustees.

6. Indigenous education & reconciliation

As a trustee, I believe the district has an important role in advancing reconciliation through education, relationship-building, and accountability. I would continue supporting our work with Indigenous students, families, and communities, including our partnership with Westbank First Nation, while ensuring the commitments in our Equity in Action Agreement for Truth and Reconciliation 2025-2030 are translated into meaningful results for students.

7. The trustee's role

The role of a school trustee is to provide governance by setting the district's strategic direction, overseeing policy and budget decisions, and holding the system accountable for student success and well-being. Effective governance requires listening to the people impacted by those decisions. In our district, students, parents, and staff have opportunities to share their perspectives through public meetings, committees, and ongoing engagement with partner groups such as the Central Okanagan Parents Advisory Council, CUPE, the Central Okanagan Teachers' Association, and the District Student Council. As a trustee, I believe it is important to be accessible, listen respectfully, and ensure those perspectives help inform Board decisions. Our Strategic Plan 2026-2031 also provides a framework for considering diverse voices as we work toward shared goals for student success. Ultimately, trustees must balance these perspectives while making decisions that are in the best interests of all students.