Incumbent School District 73 trustee Jo Kang has announced he will seek re-election in this fall’s municipal election.
In a statement released Friday, Kang said he is seeking another term on the Kamloops-Thompson school board when voters head to the polls on Oct. 17, 2026.
“It has been an absolute honour to serve the community that raised me,” Kang said.
First elected in 2022, Kang said his professional background in local government administration, along with community governance experience that includes serving on the board of the Canadian Mental Health Association, has helped shape his approach to school district governance.
Kang said he has focused on fiscal responsibility, collaborative leadership and what he described as a community-first approach during his first term on the board.
Looking ahead, he said School District 73 will continue to face significant challenges, including provincial funding pressures, inflation and rapid population growth throughout the region.
“I am looking forward to the next four years,” Kang said. “SD73 must navigate provincial funding models, inflationary strains and rapid regional growth while maintaining high-quality, inclusive education.”
Kang said one of his priorities for a second term would be strengthening collaboration between the school district, municipal governments and community partners in an effort to secure additional resources for students and educators.
“My goal remains steadfast: to foster deep collaboration between the School District, municipal leaders and community partners to secure the resources our students and educators deserve,” he said.
Kang also said he hopes to continue representing younger voices at the board table.
“I hope to continue to bring the youth voice we so dearly need at the School Board level,” he said.
The announcement makes Kang one of the first incumbents to formally declare their intentions ahead of the October municipal election.
School District 73 serves students throughout Kamloops, Chase, Barriere, Logan Lake and surrounding communities.
