Responsible stewardship
Finance & Facilities Committee
Helping review the decisions that shape district resources, facilities and long-term planning.
Abbotsford, B.C. — Election 2026 — Special Campaign Edition
Arsh Kaler • Abbotsford School Trustee
Proven in service. Ready for four years.
In 2025, Abbotsford trusted Arsh Kaler to bring a fresh, community-rooted voice to the Board of Education. He stepped into the work immediately. Now he is asking for a full four-year mandate to keep listening, keep showing up and keep moving our schools forward.
- 01Elected in 2025
- 02Youngest elected official in Abbotsford history
- 03Serving seven liaison schools
- 04Community service before politics
The work has started
He is not asking to start. He is asking to continue.
Arsh entered public service with a promise to listen closely, bring young people into the conversation and approach every decision with the long-term interests of Abbotsford students in mind. Since being sworn in, he has taken on responsibilities across finance and facilities, district planning, community recognition, apprenticeship pathways, youth engagement and provincial trustee representation. A full term means more time to turn that groundwork into lasting impact.
Explore his current work2,908 votes
In the 2025 by-election, Abbotsford voters chose Arsh with approximately 60% of ballots cast. That trust carries a responsibility: show up, do the work and remain accountable.
View the official 2025 election recordService you can see
Trustee work is not a collection of slogans. It is preparation, governance, listening and consistent follow-through. Here is where Arsh is serving today.
Planning for student success
District Planning Team
Contributing to district-wide planning informed by student needs, measurable priorities and community input.
Celebrating community impact
Community Matters Selection Committee — Chair
Recognizing people and organizations whose service strengthens student success.
Opening practical pathways
Apprenticeship Advisory Committee — Alternate
Supporting stronger connections between education, skilled trades and future careers.
Keeping youth at the table
Abbotsford Youth Commission
Bringing school-board perspective into wider community conversations affecting young people.
Representing Abbotsford provincially
BCSTA Fraser Valley Executive Branch Representative
Connecting local priorities with trustees and education leaders across the Fraser Valley.
Connected to schools. Grounded in what families experience.
As liaison trustee, Arsh maintains a direct connection with school communities across Abbotsford. Listening at the school level keeps governance connected to real experiences—not assumptions.
- W. J. Mouat Secondary
- Colleen & Gordie Howe Middle School
- Eugene Reimer Middle School
- Centennial Park Elementary
- Dormick Park Elementary
- King Traditional Elementary
- McMillan Elementary
The next four years
Focused on the decisions that matter most
A trustee should set direction, ask hard questions, protect public resources and remain accountable to the people schools serve. Arsh’s priorities are built for that job.
- 01
Student success with real-world pathways
Strengthen the connection between learning and life after graduation—university, college, skilled trades, entrepreneurship and employment. Arsh will keep asking whether students can see a meaningful path forward and whether programs reflect the futures they are preparing for.
- 02
Mental health, belonging and prevention
Support safe, inclusive school cultures where students can ask for help early. Champion practical prevention, trusted-adult connections and stronger awareness of available supports—while measuring whether those supports are reaching students.
- 03
Student voice with a route to action
Student engagement should be more than a photo opportunity. Arsh will support consistent ways for students to raise ideas, understand decisions and see what changed—or why it could not.
- 04
Responsible resources and future-ready facilities
Protect classroom impact by asking disciplined questions about budgets, capital priorities, maintenance and value. Growth requires long-term planning, transparent trade-offs and facilities that support modern learning.
- 05
Families and community as partners
Build trust through clear communication, accessible engagement and genuine listening. Parents, caregivers, educators, community organizations and local employers all have a role in student success.
Meet Arsh
Raised here. Educated here. Serving here.
Arsh Kaler was born and raised in Abbotsford and graduated from the same public school system he now helps govern. Long before elected office, he was building opportunities for young people to lead and serve.
As Founder and President of Smiles Through Seva Foundation, Arsh helped create a youth-led platform supporting local causes including Abbotsford Hospice, the Starfish Pack Program and Pacific Autism Family Network. His community involvement has also included emergency relief, business and civic committees, scholarships and youth leadership.
In October 2025, Abbotsford elected Arsh to the Board of Education. He became the youngest elected official in the city’s history. For Arsh, that milestone was never the finish line. It was the beginning of a responsibility—to listen, learn quickly, prepare seriously and serve with consistency.
More about Arsh“I was guided by mentors who helped me find purpose. Now it’s my turn to guide the next generation.”
Make a plan to vote
Four opportunities to keep Arsh working for Abbotsford
Advance Voting
Wednesday, October 7
8 AM–8 PM
Advance Voting
Saturday, October 10
8 AM–8 PM
Advance Voting
Sunday, October 11
8 AM–8 PM
General Voting Day
Saturday, October 17
8 AM–8 PM
Before you go
- Bring two pieces of identification; one must include your signature.
- You may vote early even if you are available on General Voting Day.
- Voting places for 2026 have not been confirmed yet—check the City of Abbotsford election page.
- Voting places and rules can change; confirm details with the City before leaving.
Voting places for the 2026 election have not been confirmed. They are published by the City of Abbotsford—always confirm before you head out.
A campaign powered by people who care about Abbotsford’s future
Winning a full term will take conversations in every neighbourhood. Join the team to knock doors, make calls, deliver signs, help at events or share campaign updates online. Choose how you want to help and the campaign will follow up.
Election 2026
Keep a strong, community-rooted voice at the table.
Vote Arsh Kaler for Abbotsford School Trustee. Advance voting October 7, 10 and 11. General Voting Day October 17.