THOUGHTFUL. DOWN TO EARTH. HERE TO LISTEN.
I’m Rachel Balabuch.
I’m running for SD72 school trustee because I want students to feel safe, families to feel heard, and young people to leave school with confidence in themselves.
Greater Campbell River · Trustee Electoral Area 1
01 / WHAT MATTERS TO ME
For me, a better school system starts with what school is actually like for the kids who go there every day. That’s what I’d keep in mind when bringing these priorities to the board table.
My first priority would be how students are feeling at school. Do they feel safe, supported, and comfortable asking for help? I want to hear from students, families, and staff about what’s working and where more support is needed.
Where would a change make the biggest difference to a student’s day?
I want kids to feel they belong at school and learn to treat others with kindness and respect. These qualities belong alongside strong learning. Those are things I hope they carry into the rest of their lives.
Young people who feel they have a place, and who make room for others.
I want students to recognize what they’re capable of and feel good about what comes next. At the end of a term, I’d be proud to know our schools had helped more kids build that confidence.
More students feeling confident. More families feeling heard.
02 / A LITTLE ABOUT ME
My experience raising daughters within our current system is what gave me the motivation to run for trustee.
As a local business owner in Campbell River, I get to meet and talk with people every day. I love helping people feel accepted and good about themselves.
I enjoy a good chat and a laugh, and while I tend to say what I think, I also know when to stop and listen. If we meet, I hope you’ll feel at ease, comfortable being yourself and telling me what’s on your mind.
An afternoon with nothing booked? You’ll probably find me in the garden or with my family.
How I would approach the work
03 / HOW WOULD I SERVE
I don’t think a good decision begins with having every answer. It begins with understanding the situation and the board’s responsibilities.
MY APPROACH
If a worried parent gets in touch, I’d begin by asking questions to understand the situation. I want people to feel heard and at ease when they speak with me, and I want them to know I take each instance as seriously as they do.
Ask questions to understand, not just respond.
Understand what belongs with the board and what follows the school’s process.
For a current school concern, SD72 explains who to speak with and how to take the next step.The district’s school-concern process
THE ROLE
A trustee is one member of a team, working alongside fellow board members to help shape the direction of our schools. Together, the board sets priorities, approves budgets, and keeps students’ needs at the heart of its decisions. The superintendent leads the day-to-day work of the district, working with staff to put that direction into practice. The roles are different, but the purpose is shared: helping students learn, feel supported, and thrive.
04 / YOUR VOTE MATTERS
I’m running for School District 72 trustee in Area 1, Greater Campbell River. I would be proud to bring this approach to the work of our school board.
Rachel Balabuch
Official election information Check voting options with the SRD