Public delegations at board meetings, published data on bullying and drug use at schools, and work experience programs

SCHOOLS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Advance Richmond on schools

Each trustee candidate's statement to the City says the organization's full education platform is in the statements of all its trustee candidates. Dean Billings' statement promises transparent and democratic decision-making and evidence-based decision-making, and sets a goal of first place in BC in literacy scores, math scores and graduation rates.

Danny Chang's statement promises a Richmond Business Community Advisory Committee, more fundraising, easier rental of school facilities by community groups, and more co-op, internship and job shadowing programs. Rod Belleza, who was a trustee before the vote, promises adequate funding, safe and inclusive schools, life skills, financial literacy and a stronger student voice.

A post of October 14, 2026 asks who oversees the district's meal card spending, which it says rose from $627,000 in 2022-2023 to $1.23 million in 2024-2025. voche.me has not checked those figures against the district's financial statements. Danny Chang's page on the organization's site says children can be vulnerable to "misguided policies, especially around drug use and school safety".

7 PUBLISHED COMMITMENTS

What they say they will do

• Let the public speak on agenda items at board and committee meetings

  Dean Billings' statement to the City promises to allow delegations from the public on agenda items and at public committee meetings, and to open Indigenous and other board advisory committees to the public.

  City of Richmond

• Publish data on substance use, bullying and violence at schools

  Dean Billings' statement to the City promises to publish data on substance use on school grounds, racism, bullying, class evacuations and violence against staff, and to evaluate changes, pilots and outside vendors in a systematic way.

  City of Richmond

• First in BC in literacy, math and graduation rates

  Dean Billings' statement to the City sets the goal of getting Richmond to first place in BC in literacy scores, math scores and graduation rates. It names no measure and no date.

  City of Richmond

• A Richmond Business Community Advisory Committee

  Danny Chang's statement to the City promises a Richmond Business Community Advisory Committee, more fundraising opportunities, and school facilities that are easier for community organizations to rent.

  City of Richmond

• More co-op, internship and job shadowing programs

  Danny Chang's statement to the City promises to expand co-op programs, internships, job shadowing, business field trips and volunteer opportunities, and to strengthen financial literacy and preparation for an AI-driven economy.

  City of Richmond

• Advocate for adequate funding of public education

  The statements to the City of Rod Belleza, Dean Billings and Danny Chang each promise to advocate for adequate funding of public education. Belleza's adds mental health funding.

  City of RichmondCity of RichmondCity of Richmond

• Safe and inclusive schools, life skills and financial literacy

  Rod Belleza's statement to the City promises a safe and inclusive learning environment, life skills to improve students' well-being, financial literacy and a stronger student voice. His page on the organization's site says he raised substance use awareness and child poverty as a trustee.

  City of RichmondAdvance Richmond Community Association