Brenda Dorosz seeks third term as Osoyoos school trustee

Incumbent trustee emphasizes collaboration, community engagement and secure provincial funding for rural schools

“Working together for kids” is the message Brenda Dorosz is bringing to voters as she seeks a third term representing Osoyoos and Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Area A on the Okanagan Similkameen Board of Education.

Dorosz has served as a local school trustee for eight years. She currently chairs the board’s Education Committee and has served on the Indigenous Education Committee for seven years.

“I am seeking re-election because our kids matter,” Dorosz said.

She said trustees carry significant responsibility for the direction of public education, including governing district finances, approving budgets, establishing policies and strategic plans, and working to improve student outcomes across the district.

For Dorosz, that work depends on cooperation among the board, district staff, teachers, parents and students.

“It is important to collaborate with the school board, staff, teachers, parents and students to guide students towards a successful future,” she said.

A lifelong Osoyoos resident, Dorosz married her high school sweetheart and continues to live in the community with her son and daughter-in-law. Although she works full-time, she said she makes a point of attending school events, sporting events, graduations and other special occasions throughout the year.

She described herself as committed, engaged and deeply involved in Osoyoos, having served on numerous volunteer boards over the years.

Dorosz pointed to the 2016 effort to prevent Osoyoos Secondary School from closing as an important part of her community advocacy. She said she helped spearhead that campaign alongside a larger team fighting to keep the school open.

Her background also includes teaching anti-bullying programs at the kindergarten level and previously owning a licensed daycare. Dorosz said that experience, together with her time on the board, will help her continue advocating with the Ministry of Education and Child Care.

If re-elected, Dorosz said listening to residents and keeping the community involved will remain among her central priorities.

“My priorities once re-elected will be to listen and engage our community—it is our school,” she said. “I am not afraid to ask the hard questions, listen intently and always search for improvements.”

Dorosz described herself as a proven advocate for education, families and the broader community. She said the demands facing children continue to change as schools prepare them for life beyond the classroom, making strong support systems increasingly important.

“As a leader, I will collaborate with all stakeholders to fund the exceptional supports they deserve in our small rural schools,” she said.

She also wants rural communities to have a stronger voice with the provincial government, particularly when decisions are made about how public education is funded.

“I believe that it is time to have our voices heard at the provincial level, advocating for secure funding models in education,” Dorosz said.

She said collaboration and respect would remain the foundation of her work if voters return her to the board for a third term.

Osoyoos and Area A are represented by two trustees on the Okanagan Similkameen Board of Education. General voting will take place Oct. 17, 2026.