SCHOOL TRUSTEE CANDIDATE
DISTRICT OF NORTH VANCOUVER 2026
Who Am I?
My name is Rob Haines, and I am running for the School Trustee position in the next Municipal Election in the District of North Vancouver.
I've spent more than 23 years in public education because I've seen firsthand the difference a great teacher can make. That's what inspired me to become a teacher—the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students, their families, and the communities that support them.
Rob's Priorities:
🎓 Students First
Every decision should focus on student success, well-being, and opportunity.
🏫 Strong Schools
Supporting the educators, resources, and environments students need to thrive.
🌟 Bright Futures
Creating pathways for every learner to reach their potential.
Professional Experience
Throughout my career, I’ve taught in Ontario, Hong Kong, and British Columbia, giving me a unique perspective on different educational systems and approaches to student learning. My experience spans a wide range of roles, including secondary classroom teacher, primary special education teacher, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme educator, and Vice Principal. These diverse experiences have allowed me to see education through multiple lenses—as a classroom teacher, a specialist supporting vulnerable learners, and a school leader working alongside students, families, teachers, and support staff.
Why I Am Running
As an educator, I have always believed that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. My work in special education reinforced the importance of providing meaningful support for students with diverse needs, while my experience in advanced academic programs highlighted the value of maintaining high educational standards and preparing students for future success.
Over the course of my career, I have become increasingly concerned about the challenges facing public education in British Columbia and across Canada. I have witnessed growing classroom complexity, increasing demands on teachers and educational assistants, and persistent staffing shortages that affect both learning and working conditions. I am particularly concerned by declining literacy and numeracy outcomes, the pressures created by inadequate school funding, and the risk of lowering academic expectations rather than providing the supports students need to achieve their full potential.
What Am I Focused On?
I believe that strong public schools require strong investment. I advocate for increased funding to support students directly in classrooms, hire more teachers and educational assistants, improve learning conditions, strengthen literacy and numeracy programs, and provide targeted funding for much-needed school infrastructure upgrades.
Above all, I remain committed to the principle that drew me to education more than two decades ago: helping young people thrive. I believe that when students, families, and educators are properly supported, schools become stronger, communities become healthier, and everyone benefits.