Jennifer Branston

As a parent of a student who recently graduated from the North Vancouver School District in June 2026, and as a community volunteer, I have seen firsthand the important role schools play in students’ lives.

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Biography

submitted by the candidate or their team
I am Jennifer Branston, a community advocate committed to strong, inclusive public schools. I am running for School Board Trustee to bring experienced, compassionate, and collaborative leadership to our schools, strengthening trust, inclusion, and community across the NVSD.


I am Jennifer Branston, a community advocate, volunteer, operations and governance professional, and former Chair of the North Vancouver District Parent Advisory Council (NVPAC) (DPAC).

For the past eight years, I have worked alongside students, families, educators, school leaders, and community partners to strengthen inclusive education in the North Vancouver School District. Through this work, I have helped remove barriers and expand access to meaningful educational opportunities for all learners.

I have also supported both Families and Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) in navigating the policies, processes, and procedures of the North Vancouver School District (SD44), helping to ensure they are informed, engaged, and empowered to contribute meaningfully at both the school and district levels.

I bring 10 years of sustained, hands on experience with the North Vancouver School District. As a parent and partner group representative, I have served on committees focused on Policy Review, Inclusion, Accessibility, Emergency Preparedness, and more. I have attended every School Board meeting, in person or online, and contributed directly to policy development on several subcommittees. I understand both the importance of good governance and the value of listening to the people our decisions affect.

Throughout my years of service at the school and school district level, I have seen firsthand what is possible when we listen to one another, work collaboratively, and keep student success and well being at the heart of every decision.

With experience in both operations and governance, including my current role as Operations & Governance Coordinator for Canada’s National Autism Network and years of service on non-profit boards, I bring a clear understanding of where governance ends and operations begin, and of the responsibilities trustees carry in providing thoughtful, accountable leadership.

I believe strong schools are built on partnership, transparency, inclusion, and accountability. Every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and belong in a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.

I am still committed to fostering strong, connected school communities where families are recognized as essential partners in education; Indigenous peoples, students, and staff feel heard, valued, and respected; and decisions are made with care, transparency, and a shared sense of purpose.

I truly believe that, together, we can continue building schools where every student feels a genuine sense of belonging and has every opportunity to succeed. My focus remains on collaboration, transparency, and supporting the needs of students, families, and educators throughout our school community.

I invite you to learn more about my experience, my priorities, and my commitment to public education by visiting my website, Facebook page, by email or phone call.

If you see me around town, please do not hesitate to say hello, some of the most meaningful conversations happen when you least expect them.

I hope to earn your trust and support, and I would be truly grateful for the opportunity to continue serving and giving back to the community we all share and care so deeply about.

I look forward to connecting with you!

Jennifer Branston

Reason for running

submitted by the candidate or their team
My eight years as Chair of NVPAC deepened my commitment to public education and inclusive schools. I am running for Trustee to continue serving our community and helping ensure every student is welcomed, supported, valued and knows they belong.

For many years, the North Vancouver school community has been an incredibly important part of my life. My years of experience as the Chair of NVPAC gave me the opportunity to listen to families, work alongside educators and district staff, advocate for students, and deepen my understanding of both the strengths of our public education system and the very real challenges experienced by those at the heart of our schools.

I have seen meaningful progress, particularly in inclusive education and support for neurodivergent learners, and that gives me hope. I also know there is still more we can do to ensure every student and family feels seen, heard, valued and supported.

It would mean a great deal to me to continue giving back to this community as a School Board Trustee, bringing my experience, care, and commitment to working collaboratively toward schools where every learner is welcomed, supported and knows they truly belong.


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www.jenniferbranston.ca