SURREY, B.C. - The Surrey Board of Education has been sworn in for its 2026-2030 term, electing Laurie Larsen as board chair at its inaugural meeting on November 4, while confirming that trustee-elect Garry Thind will be disqualified from the board once he takes his seat as the MLA for Surrey-Guildford.
Seven trustees were elected on October 17 to serve the students and families of Surrey and White Rock. Returning trustees Terry Allen, Laurie Larsen, Bob Holmes and Shawn Wilson are joined by two newly elected trustees, Dr. Michelle Ceniza and White Rock trustee Laura Lattanzio.
Thind was elected both as a school trustee and as the MLA for Surrey-Guildford in the October 24 provincial election. Surrey Schools says Thind will be disqualified from being a school trustee once he assumes his role as MLA in the coming weeks, and the district will follow the processes in the Local Government Act to determine how the seat will be filled.
Larsen is a former City of Surrey employee and past president of CUPE Local 402, and has served as a Surrey school trustee for 18 years as board chair and vice-chair.
“Alongside our returning trustees, I am excited to continue serving the families of Surrey and White Rock and advancing the important work of our school district,” said Larsen. “I am pleased to warmly welcome newly elected trustees Dr. Michelle Ceniza and Laura Lattanzio. We look forward to working together as a Board, drawing on our shared commitment to supporting student success and strengthening public education.”
The board governs on behalf of more than 83,000 students and oversees a district with more than 130 schools and over 12,500 employees, the largest school district in British Columbia.
“Trustees are strong advocates for our students, staff and families, and they provide the governance and strategic oversight that guide B.C.’s largest school district,” said Superintendent Mark Pearmain. “Their leadership helps make equitable, high-quality learning experiences a reality for every student in our care.”
Public board meetings are held regularly at the District Education Centre, 14033 92 Avenue, Surrey. Agendas, minutes, livestreams and trustee contact information are available on the district’s website.
(Source: Surrey Schools news release, November 4, 2026)
