# Richmond School District Trustee Election Richmond School District (School district 38) elections happen on October 17 2026, with advance voting available. Check the [official 2026 Richmond Election website](https://www.richmond.ca/city-hall/elections.htm) for more information | **Advance Voting** | October 3, 7, 8, 9, 10 | | ------------------ | ---------------------- | | Election day | October 17 | ## Where do Richmond school board trustee candidates stand on AI in classrooms? ![[preamble]] > [!info] Incomplete list > The list of candidates below is not a complete list, it only contains candidates who have replied to our email for comment. The full list can be found on the [official website](https://www.richmond.ca/city-hall/elections/candidateslist.htm). Candidates sorted alphabetically by family name: - [[#Calvin Dang]] - [[#Kiana Dashtbazi]] ## Calvin Dang ![[election-reply#^support]] ![[richmond-calvin-deng.webp|200]] - [Official website](https://calvindang.ca/en) > [!Info]- Candidate statement (click to expand) > As a parent and trustee candidate, I believe protecting students’ ability to learn, think independently and build meaningful relationships should come before adopting new technology. > > Based on the concerns raised by parents, educators and the growing body of research on the impact of generative AI, I support a **two-year pause on the use of AI chatbots in BC classrooms**. This would give schools, educators, parents and researchers time to better understand the educational, developmental and social impacts of these technologies. > > During this pause, I would support developing clear, evidence-based guidelines for the responsible future use of AI in education. AI should never replace teachers or students’ own thinking, writing, problem-solving and communication skills. > > If elected, I would work with the Richmond School Board, educators, parents and the community to advocate for this approach and to put students’ long-term learning and development first. > > Thank you for advocating for students and families on this important issue. ## Kiana Dashtbazi > [!Warning]- Supports some limits on AI in Classrooms ![[richmond-kiana-dashtbazi.webp|200]] - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/Kianadashtbazi2026) > [!Info]- Candidate statement (click to expand) > As a Trustee candidate my approach wouldn’t be neither banned nor completely permitted. In my opinion, technology impacts learners differently depending on the learner's age and development. So our policies must be tailored carefully across K-12 grade levels. > > If elected, I would work on the following issues : > > - **Age Appropriate usage:** Restrict AI Chatbot programs (such as Microsoft Copilot, Chat GPT) for primary and intermediate students, ensuring their fundamentals on reading, writing, hands on experiences and critical thinking without technology dependence. > > - **Support educators:** Suggest workshops for teachers (K-12) on designing creative, hands-on methods- such as presentation, videos, project-based work which emphasize on students' authenticity rather than automated methods( such as Power points, Word,..). Moreover, offer educators workshops on GenAI and ways to navigate it in our classrooms. > > - **Focus on digital literacy:** Mandatory learning sessions for high school students covering the ethical, environmental and workforce impacts of AI as well as its effects on our critical thinking. > > - **Specialized usage:** Explore the AI tools which are designed specifically to assist students with special needs to help them with communication and individualized learning. > > - **Evidence based policy:** Consult with educational technology experts, successful international frameworks and help of the lawmakers to set safe, smart boundaries on AI in our school system.