Hayden Rampton. (Image Credit: Hayden Rampton.)
Municipal election

Sardis Secondary grad, UFV student and construction worker enters race for Chilliwack school board

Sep 16, 2026 | 11:45 AM

CHILLIWACK – A graduate of Sardis Secondary who works in construction for his family’s local business and attends the University of the Fraser Valley has entered the race for the Chilliwack school board.

Hayden Rampton, an 18-year-old Chilliwack resident who was born and raised in Chilliwack, says he’s running for the Chilliwack Board of Education with student success at the centre of his platform.

“I’m running because I believe our school system should be focused on one thing above all else: giving students the opportunity to flourish,” said Rampton, who plays defence for the Mission City Outlaws hockey team and currently studies political science at UFV. “That means classrooms where teachers can teach, students can learn, parents have a meaningful voice, and every dollar of the education budget is treated with respect.”

Rampton says parents should have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their children’s education.

“Parents know their children better than anyone,” said Rampton. “They should feel heard, respected, and welcomed when decisions are being made about their children and their schools.”

According to a news release sent to Fraser Valley Today, Rampton wants to encourage stronger communication between schools, families, and the school board while creating more meaningful opportunities for parents to provide input. He also wants to see improved support for educators and a culture of respect and responsibility promoted among students in SD33 schools.

“Teachers and support staff deserve to be respected and given the tools they need to do their jobs well,” said Rampton. “Students also deserve classrooms where they can focus, participate, and succeed.”

Rampton says he supports clear expectations for student behaviour while ensuring that students who require additional support receive appropriate resources. Academic achievement is another central priority of his campaign.

“Students should graduate with strong foundational skills, confidence in their abilities, and the knowledge they need to pursue post-secondary education, trades, employment, or whatever path they choose,” said Rampton. “Every student has potential. Our responsibility is to make sure the system helps them reach it.”

Rampton believes the Chilliwack school board has a responsibility to be transparent and accountable with public funds.

“Parents and taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being spent,” said Rampton. “We need to continually review how resources are allocated and make sure our schools and educators have the resources they need to help students succeed.”

He says his young age should not be perceived as a weakness, but rather a strength. He says he would bring a student perspective and a different generation’s experience to the Board.

“My age gives me a different perspective, but I also recognize the value of experience,” said Rampton. “I’m prepared to listen, learn from educators, parents, students, and fellow trustees, and advocate for the community I grew up in.”

He’s asking Chilliwack residents, parents and voters alike to support his platform built around respect for educators, orderly classrooms, student success, support for parental feedback, and responsible use of public funds.

He can be reached via email at Ramptonfortrustee@gmail.com.

The municipal election will be held on Saturday, October 17.