Listen. Lead.
Put Students First.
More than 22 years working directly with students and families in our local School District. Richard Gauthier is running for School Trustee to bring experienced, practical and student-first leadership to the Central Okanagan School District.
ELECTION DAY
OCTOBER 17, 2026
26 YEARS
Calling Kelowna home
22+ YEARS
Working in our local School District
16+ YEARS
Coaching and mentoring athletes
STUDENTS FIRST
Experience at all levels
ADVOCATING FOR STRONG PUBLIC EDUCATION
Funding & Advocacy
Per-student funding remains one of the most important issues facing public education. As a Trustee, Richard will work collectively with the Board to advocate for stronger funding solutions that give students and staff the resources and support they need.
OPEN COMMUNICATION
Transparency & Accessibility
Families, employees and our community deserve clear and timely communication. Richard believes trustees should be approachable, visible and willing to listen, explain the process and help connect people with the appropriate support.
A Strong Voice for Students, Families and Our Community
Richard's priorities are grounded in more than two decades of direct experience working with students and families in our School District.
SAFE, INCLUSIVE & WELCOMING SCHOOLS
Belonging & Safety
Every student should feel that they belong. Richard will work collaboratively with School District partner groups to help foster schools where students, families, staff and community members feel safe, welcome and heard.
PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE
Success & Opportunity
Students need opportunities to succeed academically while developing into critical thinkers and lifelong learners. Richard supports opportunities in trades, technology, arts, athletics, hands-on learning and career pathways that can help students discover their potential.
Experience That Listens. Leadership That Acts.
For 26 years, Richard Gauthier has called Kelowna home. For more than 22 of those years, he has had the privilege of working in our local School District, supporting students, families and schools at the elementary, middle and secondary levels.
As an Indigenous Student Advocate and the School District's first Indigenous Wellness Worker, Richard has spent more than two decades listening to students and families and helping them navigate the challenges they face. He currently serves on the School District's Indigenous Education Council.
Richard is running for School Trustee because our students deserve a strong voice at the board table: a voice that listens, understands and takes action.
Every Decision Should Start With One Question.
“Is this in the best interest of our students?”
Richard has seen firsthand the issues affecting our classrooms, including class sizes, school safety, inclusion, educational supports, and youth mental health and wellness.
Behind every policy decision is a student, family, teacher or support worker whose life can be affected.
Richard believes trustees need to listen carefully, ask difficult questions, work collaboratively and focus on practical solutions that make a meaningful difference for students and families.
Our Schools Are Personal to Richard.
Richard's wife and children are all graduates of Kelowna Secondary School. Today, he is a proud Papére to grandchildren attending elementary school in our district.
Our schools aren't simply where Richard worked. They are where his family has learned, grown and built its future.
His commitment to the Central Okanagan extends well beyond the classroom. Richard has spent years coaching, mentoring, volunteering and serving his community.
- Former President, Okanagan Metis Family Services
- Former President, Kelowna Masters Racquetball Association
- Volunteer, BC Summer Games
- More than 16 years coaching racquetball
- Former BC Provincial Racquetball Coach
- Coach at provincial, national and World Junior competition
- Recipient of the Community Sport Hero Award from the City of Kelowna / Sport Kelowna
Students First. Always.
"I believe in public education. I believe in our students. I believe in our teachers and support staff. And I believe our community can do more to ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their potential."
"Our students deserve to be heard. Our families deserve to be heard. Our educators deserve to be heard. And I will listen."
RICHARD GAUTHIER
Candidate for School Trustee