Kamloops-Thompson · School Trustee

Re-electCole Hickson

A school board that communicates clearly and fights for our communities.

I grew up in Kamloops, went through local public schools, and have spent my first term working to make SD73 more open, accessible, and responsive. I'm running again because our community deserves a board that keeps people informed and makes sure our region is heard.

See what I stand for Meet Cole

Cole Hickson wearing a dark suit and red tie

General voting dayOctober 17, 2026

Kamloops raisedStuart Wood, SKSS and TRU

Trustee since 2022Serving Kamloops-Thompson

Chosen by fellow trusteesElected to represent SD73 and our region

My priorities

Two commitments at the centre of my campaign.

People should know what their school board is doing, why it matters, and how to reach us. When our region needs support, the board should be ready to make a strong, credible case for it.

Advocacy

Advocacy that carries weight

Elected by my peersSD73's BC Public School Employers' Association representative British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA) Thompson-Okanagan Branch Executive

Strong advocacy works best when school boards work together. For the past three years, I have worked with trustees across our region to build a stronger, more united voice and ensure communities like Kamloops-Thompson aren't left behind.

Per-student funding remains one of the most important issues facing public education. Recent national comparisons place B.C. among the lowest provinces in per-student education spending, while the costs of staffing, transportation, classroom resources, and supporting students continue to rise. When funding doesn't keep pace, every school district is forced to make harder choices.

My fellow SD73 trustees elected me to represent our board through the BC Public School Employers' Association, and trustees from across the region have elected me to three consecutive terms on the British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA) Thompson-Okanagan Branch Executive. In these roles, I have built relationships beyond our district and helped bring this important issue to the forefront of discussions with other school boards across the province.

I want to keep using that experience to strengthen our collective voice and push for practical funding solutions that give students and staff the support they need, and our community the representation it deserves.

Fair funding
School capacity
Staff and student support

Communication

Communication people can count on

Clear and timely communication helps families, employees, and the wider community feel connected to their school district. During my first term, I've seen the value of strong public updates and open communication. I want to build on that work through clearer information for the media and more opportunities for people to connect with trustees, whether at a school event, community meeting, or even the farmers' market.

We should share the good work happening across our schools, from student success to what is taking place in classrooms every day. When difficult news or major decisions arise, people should receive clear information, understand how they may be affected, and know what comes next.

Parents and community members should also feel confident approaching their school board. School staff and principals work hard to address concerns directly, but there may be times when questions remain or families are unsure where to turn. Whether the concern involves student wellbeing, safety and inclusion, classroom materials, or another sensitive issue, I will continue to listen, explain the process, and help connect people with the appropriate support.

Clear, timely updates
A visible community presence
A board that listens

Cole Hickson at the June 2024 groundbreaking for Sníne Elementary

Groundbreaking · June 2024

Progress in our first term

A new school for a growing Kamloops

Halfway through our term, we broke ground on Sníne Elementary, the first entirely new school to be built in Kamloops since 2000. It opens this fall and will add 485 much-needed student spaces in Pineview Valley.

This was the result of years of sustained advocacy by the district and our community. I am proud to have helped carry that work forward as a trustee. It also shows why persistent advocacy matters. One new school is meaningful progress, but our growing region still needs more classroom space and continued provincial investment.

Read about the school project

Priorities for a second term

Practical work that strengthens our schools.

Communication and provincial advocacy will guide how I serve. These are the areas where I believe focused, persistent work can make the biggest difference for students, families, employees, and our growing community.

Safer schools and grounds

Improve safety in schools and on surrounding grounds by listening to families and staff, responding early, and making sure concerns do not get lost between different organizations.

Learning connected to real life

Expand skilled-trades training, outdoor and experiential education, work experience, career exploration, and partnerships with local employers and community organizations.

Community feedback

Ensure your voice is heard in budget consultations and other major decisions by making it easier to understand what is being considered, how to take part, and how community feedback shaped the final decision.

Strategic use of district property

Take a long-term approach to district land and real estate so decisions protect future school needs and create lasting value for students and the community.

Accountability in major decisions

Ask direct questions, explain major Board decisions in plain language, and make sure elected officials are prepared to be accountable when decisions affect classrooms, employees, and student services.

More ways to reach your trustees

Create regular opportunities for students, families, employees, and residents to speak directly with trustees at schools, neighbourhood events, and community spaces.

I will not pretend that one trustee can solve every problem alone.

What I can promise is that I will show up, ask difficult questions, make myself available, and keep building the relationships needed to move our community's priorities forward.

About Cole

Rooted in Kamloops

My name is Cole Hickson. I grew up in Kamloops and attended Stuart Wood Elementary and South Kamloops Secondary School. I studied Political Science and Economics at Thompson Rivers University, where I served four terms as an elected student union representative and advocated for students.

I was elected to the SD73 Board of Education in 2022. Since then, I have tried to bring the same approach to the board: ask direct questions, listen to the people closest to an issue, and follow through. I do not think trustees should feel distant from the communities they represent.

My fellow trustees have asked me to take on work beyond the board table, electing me as SD73's representative with the BC Public School Employers' Association and to three consecutive terms on the British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA) Thompson-Okanagan Branch Executive. I take that trust seriously. These roles require extra time, but they also give our region a stronger voice with partners and provincial decision-makers.

Public education is one of the most powerful ways we build a better community. It shapes opportunities for young people, supports families, and helps determine what our region will look like for decades.

What you can expect

A trustee who shows up

Accessible

If a parent, employee, student, or community member reaches out, they should know they have been heard and where things stand.

Independent

I ask questions, look at the evidence, and judge each issue on what will best serve students and our communities.

Persistent

Good advocacy takes more than one letter or meeting. It takes follow-up, strong relationships, and a willingness to keep going.

Support the campaign

Help us reach more people across Kamloops.

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Mittens the cat sitting beside Noah the dog

Mittens the catNoah the dog

They asked nicely. I'm just passing it along.

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Election Day

Let's keep building a better community.

On October 17, I'm asking for your support to continue serving as School Trustee for Kamloops-Thompson.

Official voting information