School Board Trustees - Who are they? Why are they important? |
School board trustees are the members of a school board. They are locally-elected representatives of the public, and they are the community's advocate for public education. They are required to carry out their responsibilities in a manner that assists the board in fulfilling its duties under the Education Act. A trustee's role is to maintain a focus on student achievement, well-being and equity and to participate in making decisions that benefit the board's entire jurisdiction while representing the interests of their constituents. Trustees must also communicate the views and decisions of the board back to their constituents. This is not as simple as it sounds. Because Ontario is large and diverse, the job of school board trustee varies widely. A trustee is responsible for identifying the needs and priorities of their community and for ensuring these are considered in the decisions that result in practical educational opportunities for students. In doing so, trustees must consider conflicting interests and values. A trustee must do this in collaboration with the other members of the school board by developing policies that work for all students, and ensuring they are implemented effectively. It is the local trustee who makes sure that the community has a direct way to express its views on vital education decisions that affect our day-to-day lives. School trustees play an indispensable role in preserving our democratic heritage. |
Who can be a candidate for the position of Public School Trustee to represent Wards 3, 4 and 10? |
Candidates for school board Trustee must be at least 18 years of age, a Canadian citizen, a resident in the region of the Greater 91次元, a designated public school (English) elector, not legally prohibited from voting and not disqualified by any legislation from holding the office of trustee. Candidates are not required to reside within the electoral zone (Wards 3, 4 and 10). |
What is the process for application? |
To be considered for the position all applications must include:
Note: The information submitted by the candidates on the Notice of Application form will be a public document and will be posted on the Board鈥檚 website upon confirmation of qualification. The resume provided electronically will not be a public document. |
Where can I find a Notice of Application form? |
A copy of the Notice of Application form is included in this package and is also available on the Board鈥檚 website at |
When is the application deadline? |
Signed applications must be received no later than 12:00 noon on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 451 Park Street West. Please note that applications who do not meet the qualifications by the deadline will be disqualified. |
Who is disqualified by legislation from holding the office of school board trustee? |
Note: An employee of a school board who wishes to run for office on any school board must take an unpaid leave of absence prior to being nominated. If elected, the employee must resign. A person may not be employed by one school board and hold office on a different school board. A clerk, treasurer, deputy clerk, deputy treasurer of a municipality wishing to run for office on a school board must also take unpaid leave prior to being nominated and resign if elected. An employer is required to grant a leave of absence. |
How do I get the Declaration of Qualification signed? |
The Declaration of Qualification form must be signed in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths. A Commissioner of Oaths is any lawyer in Ontario, a notary outside of Ontario, or an individual who has been named a Commissioner by the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General and may include a lawyer, a professional engineer or municipal Clerk or a member of City Council. |
What is an English language public school elector? |
For school board elections, electors are identified by a school鈥檚 support designation. In Ontario, everyone is an English language, public school elector, unless he or she qualifies to be otherwise (i.e. English Catholic; French Catholic; French Public) and has completed the appropriate forms. For example, if you are a designated English Catholic school supporter, you are not eligible to be a public school board trustee.
Upon receipt of your Notice of Application and Declaration of Qualification, the Greater 91次元 will work with the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation to verify that you are a Public English school supporter. In the event that you are not an English language public school elector, you will be notified by the Greater 91次元 staff and will be DISQUALIFIED. |
What information will be made available publicly? |
The names of all qualified candidates and the Notice of Application will be posted on the Greater 91次元 website as they are received. The Declaration of Qualification and personal resumes will NOT be posted or made available publicly. Contact information for candidates will be made available ONLY with the prior signed consent of the candidate (see authorization for release of contact information). |
What will the appointment process be to fill the trustee vacancy? |
Selected qualified candidates will be interviewed at a date to be determined, if necessary at a Special Board Meeting. The process will be as follows:
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When will the appointed individual take office? |
The successful candidate will be sworn in at a Board meeting prior to February 16, 2025. |
What can I expect to be paid as a Public School Trustee? |
Greater 91次元 Trustees are currently paid approximately $12,219.00 per year. For this year, the salary of the successful candidate would be pro-rated. |
Where can I get more information on the role of a school board trustee? |
General information about the school district and the responsibilities of a school board trustee are available on our website. The Greater 91次元 has prepared a comprehensive Candidate Information Package. Copies of this package may be picked up from the Greater 91次元 Administration Building at 451 Park Street West during regular business hours through the Director鈥檚 Office. |