Safe and seismically sound schools, mental health and anti-racism supports, stable governance, and more childcare through partnerships
The Richmond Education Party's platform has five areas: high-quality instruction and supports for every student, safe and seismically sound schools with up-to-date technology, mental health, anti-racism and equity supports, transparent and fiscally responsible governance, and partnerships with families and community groups to expand childcare. Ken Hamaguchi's statement to the City names four focuses: students, inclusion and equity, staff, and facilities.
SCHOOLS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Richmond Education Party on schools
The platform's five areas are on the organization's home page. Its Who We Are section says trustees associated with the organization have emphasized fiscal responsibility, safe and modern school facilities and inclusive learning, and that its representatives contributed to seismic upgrades and expanded childcare partnerships in past terms. Those are the organization's own claims.
Hamaguchi's statement to the City says all students, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age or socioeconomic class, are entitled to the best education the district can offer, that staff are the key to student success, and that facilities must be safe and well maintained. Larson's statement promises to keep advocating for students, staff and families and to build strong, inclusive schools.
Richmond News reported in 2018 that the organization supported the district's new sexual orientation and gender identity policy and warned against candidates who wanted to reverse it. Its 2026 platform names anti-racism and equity supports and does not name that policy.
6 PUBLISHED COMMITMENTS
What they say they will do
High-quality instruction and supports for every student
The platform's first area promises a school system where all learners, regardless of background, ability or pathway, have access to high-quality instruction, strong supports and opportunities that prepare them for success.
Safe, seismically sound and technologically equipped schools
The platform's second area promises a long-term commitment to maintaining and upgrading facilities so students learn in safe, seismically sound, technologically equipped buildings. It names no school and no date.
Mental health, anti-racism and equity supports
The platform's third area promises schools that provide meaningful mental health, anti-racism and equity supports so every student feels seen, supported and valued.
Transparent, fiscally responsible and stable governance
The platform's fourth area promises decision-making rooted in openness, fiscal responsibility and long-term planning, with consistent leadership and clear communication.
Partnerships to expand childcare and enrich programs
The platform's fifth area promises collaboration with families, educators, community groups and local organizations to expand childcare and enrich programs. It names no number of spaces.
Support for staff
Hamaguchi's statement to the City says that if the district wants students to do well, it must take care of and support the people who work with them.
What is not published
- The platform gives no cost, no number of childcare spaces and no named school.
- The claims about past seismic upgrades and childcare partnerships are the organization's own.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Questions about this
What does the Richmond Education Party say about the district's budget?
Its platform promises transparent and fiscally responsible governance with long-term planning. Richmond News's columnist wrote on September 30, 2026 that the board faced a $4.2 million shortfall in the previous year and made cuts to balance it; the platform does not name that shortfall.
Sources
A source marked SAYS SO ITSELF is the party's own material. It proves what the party claims, not that the claim is true.
- Register of Elector Organizations by Jurisdiction, as of October 30, 2026 Elections BC · published · checked
- Elector organizations: registration and financial reporting Elections BC · checked
- Financial Reports and Political Contributions System: local elections scanned reports search Elections BC · checked
- Declaration of Election by Voting, September 21, 2026 City of Richmond · published · checked
- Declaration of Official Election Results, October 21, 2026 City of Richmond · published · checked
- Candidate profile: Ken Hamaguchi, statement to the City City of Richmond · checked
- Candidate profile: Heather Larson, statement to the City City of Richmond · checked
- Richmond Education Party: home page, with its Vision and Who We Are sections SAYS SO ITSELFRichmond Education Party · checked
- Richmond Education Party: Ken Hamaguchi SAYS SO ITSELFRichmond Education Party · checked
- Richmond Education Party: Heather Larson SAYS SO ITSELFRichmond Education Party · checked
- 6 Richmond school trustee candidates to run in 'progressive' slate Richmond News · published · checked
- Richmond election results in minimal change Richmond Sentinel · published · checked
- New school board chair, vice-chair elected in Richmond Richmond News · published · checked
- Slates, candidates vie for seats on Richmond Board of Education Richmond News · published · checked
- Richmond Votes - Column: Breaking down Richmond's school board candidates Richmond News · published · checked
- Richmond Votes: Five incumbents, two newcomers elected to Richmond school board Richmond News · published · checked
- Richmond Votes: Setting campaigns aside, Richmond trustees prepare for new term Richmond News · published · checked