ABBOTSFORD, BC – Dedicated community advocate and father of four, Amritpal Mand, has officially announced his candidacy for School Trustee in the upcoming October 2026 election. Running on a platform of academic excellence, parental rights, and fiscal accountability, Mand aims to bring a much-needed parental perspective to the local school board.

From his 10-year-old child attending elementary school to his eldest child attending the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), Mand has closely observed every level of the local public education system. It is this practical experience as a parent that drives his commitment to addressing shortcomings in the system while supporting the district’s hardworking teachers and staff.

“I decided to run this year because our education system is at a critical crossroads, and families feel that they are being overlooked in this conversation,” said Mand. “As a father of children who are part of this system, I am seeing the focus shift away from foundational education and academic achievement toward non-academic agendas. I am stepping forward to ensure that parents’ voices are heard, classroom funding is used responsibly, and our schools prioritize core education and real opportunities for careers.”

Mand’s professional background spans the healthcare, construction, and transportation sectors. This diverse work experience has provided him with a practical approach to leadership, strong problem-solving skills, and a proven record of handling complex responsibilities.

He brings a grounded and informed approach to decision-making, ensuring that the focus remains on what delivers the best outcomes for students.

Mand’s 4-Pillar Agenda

As a trustee, Mand’s four-pillar agenda focuses on the following:

Standing with Parents and Putting Students First:

I believe true leadership begins with listening, which is why I am committed to reviewing the SOGI 123 framework in schools and listening to parents’ perspectives on the matter. Decisions involving sensitive topics in the classroom should be made in partnership with families, rather than being imposed from above as rules by provincial bureaucracy.

However, my goal is to strengthen our district, not divide it. I want to open the doors of school board meetings to everyone—whether you are a parent, a student, or a teacher working on the front lines. I will therefore introduce an unrestricted “Open Mic” session so that your voice can be heard directly.

By giving parents a greater role in leadership and creating a truly transparent and impartial school system, we can ensure that every child is safe, respected, and able to move forward on the path to success.

Safe Schools, Mental Health and Youth Activities:

I am fully committed to creating a safe, supportive, and well-rounded environment where every student can thrive. True safety is not achieved simply by creating policies; it is about providing real and accessible support.

I will advocate for strong, non-political frameworks against bullying and zero-tolerance policies against gang recruitment and drugs. At the same time, I will work to increase mental-health funding so that students struggling with anxiety, depression, or loneliness can have immediate access to professional counsellors.

To keep our youth active and on the right path, I will advocate for opening school gyms and grounds for community recreation after school hours, while also promoting music programs, sports, and athletics so that our children remain engaged, safe, and able to develop in a well-rounded manner.

Strong Education and Real Opportunities:

Prioritize core academic excellence while creating pathways for students in trades, technology, vocational training, and career education through stronger partnerships with UFV and local employers.

Accountable Leadership and Responsible Management:

Every dollar of public tax money should be invested in the classroom, rather than bureaucracy. As Abbotsford’s population continues to grow, I will advocate for responsible spending and better long-term planning with the City and provincial government.

By managing our budget wisely, we can put more resources directly into the hands of students and frontline educators. This would support efforts to reduce the number of portables, improve school facilities, and advocate for modern sports infrastructure to make our schools better.