Lesson 6: School Boards and Trustees

School Boards School boards are the institutions responsible for operating schools and providing education to students in their region using funding they receive from the provincial government.

Types of School Boards in Ontario Ontario has four types of publicly funded school boards: –English public (31 boards) –English Catholic (29 boards) –French public (4 boards) –French Catholic (8 boards) There are also 10 school authorities established for schools located geographically isolated areas and within hospitals.

The Role of a School Board  Setting goals for student achievement  Working with school and parent councils  Approving textbook and learning materials  Developing rules for safety and behaviour  Determining the number, size and location of schools  Approving a balanced annual budget

School Trustees School trustees provide a link between local communities and the school board, bringing the issues and concerns of their communities to board discussions and decisions. Trustees have no individual authority; the board of trustees makes decisions as a whole.

How are School Trustees elected? School trustees are elected every four years during municipal elections. School trustees can be elected at-large (by all eligible voters) or by ward (when the board is broken down into smaller areas). Every year, the school trustees elect one of their members to act as Chair of the school board.

Student Trustees Ontario is unique in that each school board has 1-3 student trustees. Student trustees participate in board meetings, suggest motions to bring forward issues and can cast a non-binding vote. Student trustees are a direct way for students to have a say at the school board level.

Final Thoughts What qualities do you look for in a school trustee? What concerns do you have for your school, the school board, or education in Ontario? Would you consider running for student trustee?