BCASBO

BCASBO 2026 Fall Conference

Mallory Gosse — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:46:51 +0000

The BCASBO Fall Professional Development Conference is being held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver on November 24 and 25, 2026.

The conference program, registration information, and sponsorship opportunity information will be available in September.

Inquiries can be sent to Executive Director David Green at executivedirector@bcasbo.ca.

Hyatt Regency Hotel
655 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC V6C 2R7

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

CONFERENCE PROGRAM

RESERVE YOUR HOTEL ROOM

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BCASBO Briefing – Summer 2026

Mallory Gosse — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 20:58:27 +0000

BCASBO Briefing - Summer 2026

Member Updates, Sector Issues & Resources

Welcome to the Summer 2026 edition of the BCASBO Briefing. This update brings together messages from the President and Executive Director, current Association priorities, sector updates, professional learning opportunities, and resources intended to support BCASBO members in their work across B.C. school districts.

In This Issue:

President's Message

As we begin the 2026/27 Executive year, one of the key areas of focus for BCASBO will be continuing to strengthen the value we provide to members across the province.

At the recent Executive Committee meetings, members spoke about the importance of linking the Association’s Strategic Plan to practical action. This includes improving how we share information, supporting new and existing members, strengthening professional learning, and ensuring BCASBO continues to be a trusted voice on school district business issues.

The Executive Committee also discussed opportunities to learn from other sector organizations, including the Education Facility Managers Association, particularly in the areas of conference planning, vendor engagement, sponsorship, networking, and professional development. These conversations will help inform how BCASBO continues to build strong events and member services that are both sustainable and valuable.

Another important priority is continuing to build and strengthen relationships with Ministry and sector partners, including the Ministry of Education and Child Care, Ministry of Infrastructure, BCSTA, BCPSEA, Focused Education Resources, and others. BCASBO members bring significant operational, financial, human resources, facilities, technology, and governance expertise, and we want to ensure that expertise is available to inform sector conversations early and meaningfully.

Thank you to the Executive Committee, Zone Directors, Directors at Large, committee representatives, and members who continue to contribute their time, experience, and ideas. Your involvement helps BCASBO remain connected to the real issues facing school districts and focused on the supports members need most.

Executive Director's Report

Over the past couple of months, much of the Association’s work has focused on preparing for, attending, and following up from the 2026 AGM and Conference, as well as supporting the Executive Committee in transition into the next school year.

I was pleased to welcome Mallory Gosse, our Member Services Coordinator, to the Association on her first day of work on May 20, 2026. Mallory already has made significant improvements in the way we do business, and she will be a tremendous support for me and for our members.

Current areas of work for me include continued Ministry and sector partner engagement, Asset Retirement Obligations, taking part in the Board Policy Review Advisory Committee, exploring revenue generation opportunities with Fair Chance Learning, planning for Cohort 9 of the Leadership Series, connecting with the Association Secretary Treasurer on financial matters, transitioning responsibilities to Mallory, and continued follow-up on issues raised by members.

At the June 18 and 19 Executive Committee meeting, we spent considerable time reviewing the 2023–2028 Strategic Plan and identifying practical ways to move the plan forward. Key areas of focus include strengthening Ministry and partner relationships, improving committee reporting, supporting zone communication, enhancing the website and member experience, reviewing mentorship and new member orientation materials, and developing a more intentional approach to templates and resources.

A recurring theme throughout the discussion was member value. BCASBO is exploring ways to better organize and share practical tools, professional learning opportunities, committee updates, sector information, and resources that members can use in their day-to-day work.

This first online edition of the BCASBO Briefing will support that direction. By bringing Association updates, Ministry and sector information, professional learning opportunities, and member resources together in one place, the BCASBO Briefing will become a regular tool to help members stay informed, connected, and supported.

BCASBO News

68th AGM & Conference

BCASBO held its 68th Annual General Meeting on May 20, 2026, during the AGM & Conference at the Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre. The conference brought together members, speakers, sponsors, guests, and education partners for professional learning, networking, and Association business.

The AGM included recognition of the 2025/26 Executive Committee, greetings from ASBO International President, Lynn Knight, approval of reports and financial items, and confirmation of the incoming 2026/27 Executive Committee.

Conference Speaker Follow-Up: Charity Donation

Following the 2026 AGM & Conference, keynote speaker Darci Lang’s team made a $50 donation to BC Children’s Hospital as a thank-you connected to BCASBO.

BCASBO appreciates this thoughtful gesture and the opportunity to support an organization that provides important care for children and families across British Columbia.

2026/27 Executive Committee

The Association’s Annual General Meeting held on May 20, 2026 was highlighted with the election of the 2026/27 Executive Committee, with Jason Reid beginning his term as President. Please view the BCASBO Executive page on the website to see the respective roles of the Executive Committee members.

The new Executive Committee met in Victoria on June 18 and 19 to transition the work of the 2025–2026 Executive Committee to the new Executive. Each Committee member was asked during introductions to highlight what they would like to achieve in the year ahead. Members identified priorities including Strategic Plan implementation, improving member value, supporting new members, providing additional resources and professional learning across diverse roles, and building stronger relationships with the Ministry and sector partners.

Member Value and Strategic Plan Priorities

A key theme from both the AGM and June Executive Committee meetings was the importance of continuing to demonstrate and strengthen member value.

Following recent changes to the membership fee structure, the Executive Committee discussed practical ways to support members through improved resources, professional learning, zone communication, committee reporting, mentorship, new member orientation, and access to templates and tools.

Leadership Series and Professional Learning

BCASBO continues to support leadership development across the sector. Planning is underway for Cohort 9 of the Association’s Leadership Series.

The Executive Committee has also supported exploring additional professional development opportunities, including practical legal webinars for members.

Ministry & Sector Updates

BCASBO continues to engage with Ministry and sector partners on issues affecting school district operations, finance, capital planning, technology, human resources, and governance across the province.

Strengthening Ministry Engagement

The Committee also discussed opportunities to strengthen relationships with the Ministry of Education and Child Care, the Ministry of Infrastructure, BCSTA, BCPSEA, Focused Education Resources, and other sector partners. A key area of focus will be ensuring BCASBO can provide practical advice, sector context, and member expertise where decisions affect district operations.

Financial Management Updates

At the June Executive Committee meeting, Ministry staff provided updates and responded to questions related to labour settlement funding, CUPE bargaining and accounting treatment, PS 1202 financial statement presentation guideline, GRE reporting, GST guidance for childcare facilities, Asset Retirement Obligations, and other financial management matters.

With respect to district concerns about deficits caused by accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, BCASBO has received a response to President Reid’s June 10, 2026 letter. The Ministry has advised that it is reviewing the issue, working with the Office of the Comptroller General on potential solutions, and expects to seek approval on recommendations in early fall.

Members can view the related correspondence below:

President Reid’s June 10, 2026 letter regarding Asset Retirement Obligations

Ministry response regarding Asset Retirement Obligations

Members should watch for further communication as these items develop.

Child Care on School Grounds

Ministry staff also provided an update on the next phase of the Child Care on School Grounds initiative, referred to as “Child Care 2.0.” The discussion included access, funding programs, minor capital funding, operational start-up funding, and future guidance for transforming school facilities into equitable childcare spaces.

The Executive Committee members also discussed practical implementation challenges, including the feasibility of sharing school space, classroom sharing, and the need for clearer guidance for districts.

Focused Education Cybersecurity Update

Focused Education Resources provided an update on cybersecurity supports for school districts, including active directory reviews, the ARC project, district dashboards, risk tracking, webinars, user guides, and access to threat intelligence information through the Canadian Cyber Threat Exchange.

Districts are encouraged to watch for further information from Focused Education Resources and consider available supports where applicable.

Unfunded Inflationary Pressures: Next Steps

The Executive Committee continued discussion on unfunded inflationary pressures and the need to better understand how districts are balancing budgets, what areas have been reduced, and what services or supports districts are no longer able to provide.

A sub-committee of the Executive Committee has been formed to develop a sector-wide survey of budget reduction and revenue generation strategies. The goal is to build a practical resource that can be shared with districts and help members better understand approaches being used across the sector.

Budget 2027 Written Submission

BCASBO submitted a written response to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services as part of the Provincial Government’s Budget 2027 consultation process.

The submission had the following recommendation to Government:

That operating funding to school districts fully reflect annual inflationary costs so that existing K–12 programs can be sustained in future years.

The submission also referenced the information report Responsiveness of Provincial Funding to Cost Pressures in BC School Districts and highlighted the negative impact of unfunded cost pressures on school district budgets.

Read the Submission Here

Professional Learning & Events

Ministry Lunch & Learn Webinar Series

BCASBO is continuing to work with the Ministry of Education and Child Care on a new Lunch & Learn Webinar series for the next school year focused on practical topics for school business officials. Topics presented in the 2025–2026 series included CEF reporting, SOFI, funding formulas, budget monitoring, financial health processes, audit-related topics, and compliance audit outcomes. Members should contact the Executive with specific topics they would like to see presented.

Further details, including dates and registration information, will be shared with members once confirmed.

Leadership Series Cohort 9

At the June Executive Committee meeting, the committee approved moving forward with a funding proposal to the Ministry of Education and Child Care to support Cohort 9 of the Association’s Leadership Series Program. As with Cohort 8, the emphasis will be the Ministry’s Management Foundation Standards. Planning will continue in consultation with Ministry partners, facilitators, table coaches, and past contributors to ensure the program continues to support leadership development across school district business roles.

Legal Professional Development Lunch & Learn Series

BCASBO is pleased to introduce a new Legal Professional Development Lunch & Learn series for members beginning this fall.

The first session will focus on Liability and Risk Management for School District Business Officials. This introductory session will provide members with a general overview of legal considerations related to liability, risk, and school district operations.

The Executive Committee has supported this initiative, and Director at Large Mark Walsh is working with the Executive Director to coordinate sessions with interested legal professionals.

First Session Details

Topic: Liability and Risk Management for School District Business Officials
Tentative Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Time: 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Format: Virtual via Teams
Registration Deadline: Friday, September 18, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.

Members interested in attending the first session can register using the link below. Additional details, including the presenter and Teams meeting link, will be shared with registered participants once finalized.

Fall Conference Planning

Planning is beginning for the 2026 Fall Conference, which is being held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver on November 24 and 25, 2026.

The Executive Committee discussed opportunities to strengthen member value, improve vendor engagement, support networking, and continue offering professional learning that reflects the diverse needs of BCASBO’s membership. Ideas discussed included vendor presentations, roundtable-style opportunities, extended networking time, and ways to better understand barriers for members who are unable to attend.

BCASBO will share more information with members as conference planning progresses.

Additional Professional Learning Areas

BCASBO will continue exploring professional development opportunities connected to ethics requirements, anti-money laundering professional development, cybersecurity, risk management, artificial intelligence, human resources, facilities, finance, and other emerging areas identified by members.

Members are encouraged to share professional learning ideas through their Zone Directors or directly with BCASBO.

Member Resources: Coming Soon

New Member & Role-Based Supports

BCASBO is reviewing ways to support new members and members moving into new roles, including mentorship materials, orientation resources, and role-specific tools.

Website Resource Library

BCASBO is looking at ways to better organize conference materials, professional learning resources, partner links, and member tools on the website, so they are easier to find and use. We will have the PowerPoint presentations from the 2025 Fall Conference, the 2026 AGM and conference, and Cohort 8 of the Leadership Series available soon.

Help Build BCASBO’s Member Resource Library

BCASBO is gathering member input to help identify the templates, tools, checklists, and resources that would be most useful in day-to-day district work.

Your feedback will help guide the development of practical resources that reflect real needs across roles, districts, zones, and functional areas.

Share Your Input

Zone & Committee Connections

Zone Connections

Zone Directors play a key role in helping BCASBO stay connected to member questions, regional priorities, and emerging issues across the province.

The Executive Committee discussed opportunities to better support zone meetings through shared agenda and minutes templates, clearer standing items, and improved ways for information to move between zones and the Executive Committee.

This work will help ensure member questions, resource needs, and regional themes are captured and shared in a more consistent way.

Committee Reporting & Member Voice

BCASBO members participate in a variety of committees, networks, and sector discussions that help inform the Association’s work.

At the June meeting, the Executive Committee discussed the importance of clarifying committee roles, identifying who is serving on which committees, confirming reporting expectations, and ensuring information flows back to the Executive Committee and out to members where appropriate.

This will help BCASBO better share updates, identify priorities, and support members with timely and relevant information.

Stay Connected Through Your Zone Director

Members are encouraged to continue sharing questions, resource ideas, professional learning needs, and emerging issues through their Zone Directors. Zone feedback will help inform future BCASBO Briefings, member resources, professional learning opportunities, and Executive Committee discussions.

Leadership Lens

Each issue of the BCASBO Briefing will include a short leadership reflection connected to the work of school business officials, Association priorities, and the changing environment districts are navigating.

Leading Through Change: Staying the Course or Changing Course?

Leadership often requires balancing persistence with adaptability. In busy and complex environments, it can be tempting to keep pushing forward with a plan simply because time, effort, and resources have already been invested.

At the same time, effective leadership also requires knowing when to pause, reassess, and adjust course.

This is especially relevant as BCASBO continues to move its Strategic Plan into action, strengthen member resources, support new and existing members, respond to cost pressures, and build relationships with Ministry and sector partners.

As the Association looks ahead, one helpful question is:

Where do we need to stay the course, and where do we need to adapt to better support members?

Coming Up / Action Items

Members are encouraged to watch for further updates and opportunities connected to the following items.

Watch for further details on the proposed Ministry Lunch & Learn Webinar series.
Watch for updates on the 2026 Fall Conference, including planning, registration, and professional learning opportunities.
Watch for information on Leadership Series Cohort 9, pending Ministry funding approval.
Share ideas for member templates, tools, checklists, and resources through the Member Resource Input form.
Continue sharing questions, emerging issues, and professional learning needs through your Zone Director.
Watch for future updates on the sector-wide survey related to budget reduction and revenue generation strategies.
Check the BCASBO website for AGM & Conference highlights, resources, and member updates.

For more information, visit www.bcasbo.ca or connect with BCASBO directly:

Executive Director
executivedirector@bcasbo.ca

Member Services Coordinator
mgosse@bcasbo.ca

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BCASBO 2026 AGM and Conference – Connected by Purpose

Susan Hooper — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:06:05 +0000

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

The BCASBO 2026 AGM and Conference "Connected by Purpose", will be held from Wednesday, May 20th to Friday, May 22nd at the Penticton Lakeside Resort. Please register using the link above. See below for the agenda and hotel information.

The Planning Committee can arrange transportation this year from Kelowna airport to Penticton mid-afternoon on May 19, 2026 with a return service on May 22, 2026 at noon.  Please indicate when you register if you are interested in taking advantage of this service.

Please note that photos of you may be taken during the conference for publicity and marketing purposes

RESERVE YOUR HOTEL ROOM - Group Code BCASBO2026

Conference Venue:

Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre
21 Lakeshore Drive West
Penticton, BC V2A 7M5
1-800-663-9400

Booking Your Room

The BCASBO Room Block at the Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre is also now open until April 7, 2026. The online booking link is below and is available for guests wishing to book May 18- 23, 2026, pending availability. Please use the Group Code BCASBO2026

https://pentictonlakesideresort.ibe.stayntouch.com/

Anyone looking to book before or after the room block dates will have to contact the hotel directly via phone or email. The extended dates aren't available through the online link.

If the desired room type isn't listed under the online link, the hotel’s inventory of that specific room type may be limited. Guests are welcome to contact the hotel directly (via phone or email) to see if there is any availability over the dates of interest

Please note if you book through a third-party website or agent, you will not receive the discounted group rate.

You may also make your room reservation by calling 250-493-8221 or 1-800-663-9400 or emailing lakeside@rpbhotels.com and identifying yourself as a member of the BCASBO AGM & Conference.

Please note that no more than 3 reservations could be made per person and that all reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card.

Conference room rates are:

MAIN BUILDING:

Double Queen Guestrooms:       City View $216| Beach View $224| Lake View $233

King Guestrooms:                            City View $233 | Beach View $241| Lake View $250

King Suites:                                         City View $275 | Partial Lake View $288 | Lake View $301

WEST WING:

West Wing King Guestrooms:     Park View $267 | Partial Lake View $267| Lake View $284

West Wing King Suites:                  Park View $301 | Partial Lake View $318 | Lower Lake View $335 | Upper Lake View $352

Room rates are based on single/double occupancy, are net, non-commissionable and subject to applicable taxes. Taxes total 16% (8% PST, 5% GST and 3% AHRT) and are subject to change with legislation. Specific room types are subject to availability at the time of booking.

Parking at the resort is at a rate of $20.00 per day plus GST.

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BCASBO 2025 Fall Conference

Susan Hooper — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:25:46 +0000

The BCASBO 2025 Fall Conference will take place at the Westin Bayshore, Vancouver BC on Wednesday, November 26 to Thursday, November 27, 2025.

Registration information:
BCASBO Members: $599 + GST
Non-Members Employed by British Columbia School Districts: $699 + GST

Refund Policy: A refund of paid registration will be given for cancellations made on or before November 12th, 2025. After November 12th, there will be no refunds.

Westin Bayshore, Vancouver
1601 Bayshore Drive
Vancouver, BC V6G 2V4

Please note that photos of you may be taken during the conference for publicity and marketing purposes.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

CONFERENCE PROGRAM

RESERVE YOUR HOTEL ROOM

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BCASBO 2025 FallConference

Mallory Gosse — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 06:10:00 +0000

The BCASBO 2025 Fall Conference will take place at the Westin Bayshore, Vancouver BC on Wednesday, November 26 to Thursday, November 27, 2025. More details will be added as they become available.

Registration information:
BCASBO Members: $599 + GST
Non-Members Employed by British Columbia School Districts: $699 + GST

Refund Policy: A refund of paid registration will be given for cancellations made on or before November 12th, 2025. After November 12th, there will be no refunds.

Westin Bayshore, Vancouver
1601 Bayshore Drive
Vancouver, BC V6G 2V4

Please note that photos of you may be taken during the conference for publicity and marketing purposes.

RESERVE YOUR HOTEL ROOM

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BCASBO 2025 AGM and Conference “Leading Through Change”

Mallory Gosse — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 23:49:15 +0000

The BCASBO 2025 AGM and Conference "Leading Through Change" will take place at the Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Center from Wednesday, May 21st to Friday, May 23rd, 2025.

The program this year is structured on four main streams: Finance Leadership (FL), Finance Operations (FO), Human Resources and Payroll (HP), and Risk Management and IT (RI). There will be topics in both the plenary sessions and the breakouts encompassing these streams.

REGISTER HERE

Refund Policy: A refund of paid registration will be given for cancellations made on or before May 10th, 2025. After May 10th, there will be no refunds.

Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre
21 Lakeshore Drive West
Penticton, BC V2A 7M5
1-800-663-9400

Book Venue HERE

Transportation Information: Kelowna Concierge will pickup May 20th @ 2:45pm from Kelowna Airport to Penticton Lakeside Resort Hotel, with a return service on May 23rd at 12:00 noon. Please contact David Green to sign up for this service.

Please note that photos of you may be taken during the conference for publicity and marketing purposes.

Preview Agenda

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BCASBO 2024 Fall Conference

Mallory Gosse — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 16:25:08 +0000

The BCASBO 2024 Fall Conference will take place at the Westin Bayshore Hotel, Vancouver BC on Tuesday, November 19 to Wednesday November 20, 2024. More details will be added as they become available.

Registration Information:
BCASBO Members: $549.00 + GST
Non-Members Employed by British Columbia School Districts: $699.00 + GST

Refund Policy: A refund of paid registration will be given for cancellations made on or before November 5th, 2024. After November 5th, there will be no refunds.

Book Venue HERE

Westin Bayshore Hotel
1601 Bayshore Drive
Vancouver, BC V6G 2V4

Please note that photos of you may be taken during the conference for publicity and marketing purposes.

AGENDA

Download WHOVA App

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BCASBO 2024 AGM and Conference

Mallory Gosse — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 19:00:24 +0000

Agenda

The BCASBO 2024 AGM and Conference will take place at the Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Center from Wednesday, May 22 to Friday, May 24, 2024. For more details please click on registration link below.

Registration Information:

BCASBO Members: $699.00 + GST
Non-Members Employed by British Columbia School Districts: $849.00 + GST

REGISTER HERE

Refund Policy: A refund of paid registration will be given for cancellations made on or before May 10th, 2024. After May 10th, there will be no refunds.

Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre
21 Lakeshore Drive West
Penticton, BC V2A 7M5
1-800-663-9400

Book Venue HERE

Please note that photos of you may be taken during the conference for publicity and marketing purposes.

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BCASBO Fall Conference 2023

Mallory Gosse — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 20:35:04 +0000

The BCASBO Fall Conference 2023 will take place at the Westin Bayshore Hotel, Vancouver BC on Wednesday, November 22 to Thursday November 23, 2023. More details will be added as they become available.

Registration Information:
BCASBO Members: $549.00 + GST
Non-Members Employed by British Columbia School Districts: $699.00 + GST

Refund Policy: A refund of paid registration will be given for cancellations made on or before November 8th, 2023. After November 8th, there will be no refunds.

Book Venue HERE

Westin Bayshore Hotel
1601 Bayshore Drive
Vancouver, BC V6G 2V4

Please note that photos of you may be taken during the conference for publicity and marketing purposes.

AGENDA

Download WHOVA App

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BCASBO 2023 AGM and Conference

Mallory Gosse — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 19:19:47 +0000

REVIEW AGENDA

The BCASBO 2023 AGM and Conference will take place at the Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Center from Wednesday, May 24 to Friday, May 26, 2023. Wednesday morning is set aside for full morning workshops which are again included in the conference registration fee. More details will be added as they become available.

Registration Information:
BCASBO Members: $699.00 + GST
Non-Members Employed by British Columbia School Districts: $849.00 + GST

Refund Policy: A refund of paid registration will be given for cancellations made on or before May 12th, 2023. After May 12th, there will be no refunds.

Book Venue HERE

Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre
21 Lakeshore Drive West
Penticton, BC V2A 7M5

Please note that photos of you may be taken during the conference for publicity and marketing purposes.

Get Whova Now

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