Running for school trustee.

Sean Sookochoff is a professional educator, active volunteer firefighter, and local parent running for Central Okanagan School Trustee (SD23).

I'm running because I strongly believe that public education is a critical investment in our youth and our future as a community.

Asked Lake Country continues to experience population growth. How would you advocate for school capacity, facilities and infrastructure to keep pace with current and future enrolment?

I will advocate for a new elementary school location best serves the community. The location will depend on available options but inevitably, the cost of the land will likely weigh heavily on this decision.

Asked Lake Country continues to experience population growth. How would you advocate for school capacity, facilities and infrastructure to keep pace with current and future enrolment?

I'd make sure enrolment projections look closely at where families are actually moving. I'd work with the District of Lake Country and the Regional District to track housing and development plans, so school needs are identified early.

Asked How would you balance the need for new programs and services with responsible management of the School District's budget and taxpayer-funded resources?

I would weigh the costs and benefits, consult with interested parties and cast my endorsement in the direction that makes the most sense.

Asked What are the three most important priorities you would pursue as School Trustee for Lake Country over the next four years?

My first priority is fair funding. BC's per-pupil formula has barely changed since 2002 and hasn't kept up with rising costs, so I'll push the province to fix it, including through the BC School Trustees Association.

Asked What actions would you support to improve student safety, well-being and the learning environment in Lake Country schools?

Learning conditions are closely tied to class size. In cases where class size or composition make the learning environment unmanageable, I want to see immediate adjustments to restore balance.

Asked What actions would you support to improve student safety, well-being and the learning environment in Lake Country schools?

Teachers and education assistants are reporting safety incidents in classrooms, and the board needs to treat that as a priority. That means clear reporting, real support for staff, and investment in prevention, including counsellors and mental health supports for students.

Asked What are the three most important priorities you would pursue as School Trustee for Lake Country over the next four years?

Ensure school board governance is informed by today's classroom realities.

Asked What would you do to improve communication, transparency and meaningful engagement between the School Board, parents, students, educators and the wider Lake Country community?

I want budget information and the reasoning behind board decisions presented in plain language so parents and students can follow them. Engagement should happen before decisions are made, while there's still time for people's input to shape the outcome.