Platform & About
Ashok Kumar Verma • Candidate for School Trustee | School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan)
Ashok Kumar Verma
Candidate for School Trustee • SD 23
A Letter to Kelowna Families
Dear Kelowna Families,
Our public school system is the heartbeat of our community. Schools must be places where every child feels safe, nourished, valued, and empowered to succeed. During these challenging economic times, our schools must serve as strong anchors that support families and prepare our youth for the future.
As school trustee, my priority is to aggressively advocate for the funding and resources our community deserves. Our district's needs are expanding, and it is my solemn duty to ensure higher authorities hear that call loud and clear. We are here to secure the vital financial support necessary to empower our students, back our teachers, and strengthen the entire school community.
As your School Trustee candidate, I am committed to practical, common-sense solutions that put students first.
Sincerely,
Ashok Kumar Verma
Candidate for School Trustee | School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan)
The 5 Priorities for SD 23
Comprehensive Action Plan1. Comprehensive Student Safety Protocols
Student safety is non-negotiable. Tragedies across our province serve as painful reminders that sympathy alone will not protect our children—proactive action will.
Key District Objectives:
Immediate Safety Consultation
Conduct a district-wide safety review engaging parents, educators, and safety experts to identify vulnerabilities.
Target High-Density Campuses
Prioritize immediate safety upgrades and security protocols in high-density schools with larger student populations.
Proactive Security Action Plan
Establish clear, mandatory district-wide safety guidelines so every parent has peace of mind.
2. Promote Daily Mindfulness and Wellness Routines
Academic achievement starts with mental and emotional well-being. School should be a center for learning and personal growth, not a source of stress and anxiety.
Key District Objectives:
15 to 30-Minute Morning Practice
Introduce a daily, group mindfulness or yoga practice across all schools before regular instruction begins.
Lowering Anxiety
Grounding students at the start of each day reduces classroom anxiety, improves focus, and fosters daily connection between students, peers, and teachers.
3. District-Funded Breakfast & Midday Meal Programs
No child should ever have to learn on an empty stomach. Between demanding work schedules and rising costs of living, many families face morning rushes or financial strain.
Key District Objectives:
Funded Nutrition for All
Establish a district-wide morning and midday meal program available to all students and school staff.
Building Community
Sharing meals together builds warmth and belonging while ensuring every student receives essential nutrition to focus and excel.
4. Promote inclusion and community atmosphere
Every student deserves an equal, distraction-free environment focused on learning, discipline, and mutual respect.
Key District Objectives:
District-Provided t-shirt/hoodies
Introduce standardized school merchandize across public schools, funded or subsidized by the school district.
Fostering Belonging and Equity
Uniforms instill school pride, eliminate socio-economic peer pressure, and promote a disciplined learning atmosphere.
5. Maximizing Facilities for Youth Leadership & Career Pathways
Our public school facilities sit underutilized or empty after regular school hours. We should open these community assets to serve our youth.
Key District Objectives:
After-School Leadership Programs
Partner with community, vocational, and public service youth initiatives (such as Sea Cadets and Navy League programs) to host leadership activities directly in our schools.
Removing Barriers for Families
Hosting programs inside local school facilities eliminates transportation and financial barriers, giving every student equal access to career exploration.
Professional Experience
Teaching & Education
Extensive background in teaching and online education across all academic levels, from elementary school through university.
Child Care & Mentorship
Joint operator of a Child Care Centre in Rutland, Kelowna; experienced in early childhood education, business management, and mentorship.
Financial Services
Professional background in financial services, including insurance, investments, and mortgage services, bringing financial accountability and budgeting oversight.
Scientific Research
Served as a senior researcher conducting hydro-glacial modeling of high-altitude Himalayan glacial river basins for large reservoir planning in India based in IITM, Pune, and permafrost hydrological studies of high boreal/subarctic (field sites: Yukon and Northwest Territories) at Cold Regions Research Centre based in Waterloo, ON
Operations & Customer Service
Experience in customer service and parking operations at Kelowna International Airport (YLW).
Academic & Educational Background
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed. - Secondary)
University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver
Bachelor's Degrees
Physics and Mathematics at university of Rajasthan, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Masters & PhD Studies
Master's studies in Physics and Atmospheric Physics, leading to PhD studies in Physics and Permafrost Hydrological Modeling of cold regions. Advanced joint graduate-level education through Wilfrid Laurier University – University of Waterloo, Ontario, and studies at prestigious IIT-Roorkee, India.
Community Engagement & Volunteer Leadership
243 Ogopogo Air Cadets, Kelowna
Volunteer supporting youth development, leadership, discipline, and community engagement.
Navy League of Kelowna (NLCC)
Former Executive Vice-President and Volunteer, supporting youth leadership and cadet programs.
Rutland Youth Soccer Association
Volunteer Coach, fostering teamwork, physical activity, confidence, and personal growth in young athletes.
Mamas for Mamas
Volunteer supporting community-based programs and essential services for families in need.
ICANDO Education
Volunteer Director of Operations, supporting online learning, education, and training initiatives.
UBC Acadia Student Housing Association
Former President, providing student leadership and advocacy for resident interests.
Contribute to the Campaign
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Election & Voting Information
General Voting Day is Saturday, October 17, 2026 (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM). Explore all polling locations, identification requirements, advance voting days, and step-by-step guidance.