SD33 Superintendent Rohan Arul-pragasam. (Image Credit: Image: Rohan Arul-pragasam)

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Board of Education

SD33 superintendent says Tuesday’s board meeting could be ’emotional’ for many families

Jan 27, 2026 | 6:53 AM

CHILLIWACK – As Chilliwack school officials hope to address capacity challenges over the next decade and make possible enrolment changes, SD33 Superintendent Rohan Arul-pragasam says tonight’s school board meeting could be an emotional one for some families.

The Chilliwack School District will be seeking Board of Education approval to gather public feedback on its 10-year enrolment plan at today’s meeting (Jan. 27, 5:30 p.m., 8430 Cessna Drive). The city is expected to reach 132,000 between 2035 and 2040, putting pressure on the District’s schools – especially at the middle and high school levels.

At the same time, Cheam Elementary (217%), Chilliwack Secondary (135%), Chilliwack Middle (122%), A.D. Rundle Middle (125%) and G.W. Graham Secondary (115%) in particular have all been overflowing, despite some schools remaining below or near capacity.

A second elementary school in Promontory is among several plans to curb enrolment capacity issues in the Chilliwack School District over the next decade. (Image Credit: Promontory Heights Elementary / Facebook) (Image Credit: Image: Facebook)

In light of the district’s need to possibly shift some programs and students to other schools, including the chance that late French Immersion might move away from Vedder Middle School and Chilliwack Middle School among other possible changes, Superintendent Arul-pragasam says there will be a careful rollout of any proposed changes.

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“We recognize that the January 27 public Board meeting will likely be emotional for many families. People will naturally arrive from the perspective of what does this mean for my child and my family, and that is understandable,” he wrote in his report to the Board of Education. “As a District, our responsibility is to ensure families have accurate information about what is being asked of the Board on January 27.”

The district says the following timeline reflects the proposed engagement sequence for the North and South Side Enrolment and Facilities Review:

• Decision to Consult: January 27, 2026

• Let’s Talk Launch: January 27, 2026

• Staff Online Session: February 2, 2026

• Survey: February 17 to March 10, 2026

• Student Engagement: February 18, 2026

• North Side Online Session: February 24, 2026

• South Side Online Session: February 25, 2026

• North Side Open House: March 3, 2026

• South Side Open House: March 5, 2026

• Consultation Closes: April 10, 2026

• Reviewing Data: March to May 2026

• Board Meetings for Consideration of Final Direction: May 19, 2026 and June 16,

SD33 says staff will examine and assess the engagement process using both quantitative and qualitative measures, featuring participation levels, themes, and indicators of understanding and trust. Staff will also offer a clear feedback loop to the public, including a summary of what was heard and how it influenced recommendations that return to the Board for consideration.

At tonight’s meeting, SD33 will seek the board’s permission to consult on the Enrolment and Facilities Review Draft Proposal. The district says it has completed extensive preliminary engagement, adjusted their thinking based on what we heard, and developed a Community Engagement and Information Plan designed to support respectful, informed participation through multiple engagement methods.

If the Board approves the recommendation at tonight’s meeting, the next phase will be formal consultation, after which staff will return with a summary of what was heard and any recommended refinements for the board’s consideration.

District staff had 37 meetings with nearly 600 staff, students, parents and community partners from 11 school communities between January 2025 and 2026.

“We heard strong support for District programs, including French Immersion and Integrated Arts and Technology. We also heard that students and families feel strong connections to their schools and school staff,” said Amy Dhanjal, communications manager.

“Parents told us how important it is for the district to consider the well-being of students and their families when we consider changes to our schools.”

Superintendent Rohan Arul-pragasam recently presented data showing that the District is at 103 per cent of its functional capacity.

The B.C. government has planned to build a new elementary school in eastside Chilliwack. Construction is set to be completed in spring next year, with opening slated for September 2027.