School District 72 Mourns the Passing of Trustee David Harper

Board of Education, Our People Oct. 5, 2026

The Board of Education of School District 72 is saddened to announce the sudden passing of Trustee David Harper on October 4, 2026.

Trustee Harper was elected to the Board of Education in 2022 following a distinguished career in public education that spanned more than 30 years.

Harper joined School District 72 as a teacher in 1991 and retired in 2021. During his career, he taught at Central Elementary, Sayward Elementary, Discovery Passage Elementary, Rockland Elementary, Georgia Park Elementary and Southgate Middle School. He taught both English and French Immersion and was widely respected for his commitment to students, families and public education.

Harper also served as president of the Campbell River and District Teachers' Association from 1997 to 2003 and again from 2014 to 2021. Provincially, he also served on the BC Teachers’ Federation executive committee from 2001 to 2003. Throughout his career, he was a strong advocate for public education and played an important leadership role during significant moments in B.C.'s education system, including the restoration of class size and composition language following the Supreme Court of Canada's ruling and the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a trustee, Harper continued to champion public education and student success. He brought extensive experience, thoughtful leadership and a strong commitment to serving students and families throughout School District 72.

"Dave devoted his career to supporting students, staff and public education," said Board Chair Craig Gillis.

"His contributions to our schools and community were considerable, and his passion for education will leave a lasting legacy. On behalf of the Board of Education, we extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends and former colleagues."

The Board of Education and School District 72 extend their deepest sympathies to Harper's family, as well as to the many students, staff members, colleagues and community members whose lives he touched.