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Trustee Elections

Interested in Becoming a School Board Trustee?

School board trustees play an important role in shaping the future of public education. Trustees are locally elected representatives who work together to support student achievement, well-being, equity, and strong public education systems within their communities.

If you are interested in learning more about the role of a trustee or are considering running in the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election, the information below will help guide you through the process.

Please note that provincial changes to the role of school board trustees may still occur. This page reflects the information available at this time and will be updated as additional details become available.

Important Dates

  • Nomination Period Opens: May 1, 2026
  • Nomination Deadline: Friday, August 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

What Does a School Board Trustee Do?

School board trustees are elected members of the school board who represent the interests of students, families, staff, and communities across the district.

Trustees work collaboratively as part of a governance team to:

  • Support student achievement, well-being, and equity;
  • Establish the board's vision and strategic direction;
  • Make decisions that benefit the entire school district;
  • Approve policies and oversee responsible use of public funds;
  • Hire and support the CEO (formally known as Director of Education); and
  • Communicate with and represent their communities.

Trustees are responsible for governing the school board as a whole. Individual trustees do not make decisions independently or direct the day-to-day operations of schools or departments.

All trustees are expected to support board decisions once resolutions are approved by the Board of Trustees.

School Board Trustees ARE...

  • Locally elected representatives of the public;
  • Advocates for strong public education;
  • Members of a collaborative governance team;
  • Responsible for helping oversee a budget of approximately $50 million;
  • Focused on student success, well-being, and equity;
  • Committed to supporting the goals of the Board's Strategic Plan; and
  • Supporters of the Chief Executive Officer and staff who manage the daily operations of the school board.

School Board Trustees ARE NOT...

  • Representatives of a single issue or special interest group;
  • Responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of schools;
  • Individual decision-makers acting independently of the Board;
  • Full-time employees of the school board; or
  • Expected to resolve personal matters outside of established board processes.

Trustees must remain impartial and make decisions that support all students and communities across the district.

Who Can Run for School Board Trustee?

You may be eligible to run for school board trustee if you:

  • Are a Canadian citizen;
  • Are at least 18 years old;
  • Live within the jurisdiction of the board;
  • Are a supporter of the school board system;
  • Are legally eligible to vote; and
  • Are not prohibited by law from holding office.

Individuals Who Cannot Run

The following individuals are not eligible to serve as a trustee:

  • Employees of any school board unless they take an unpaid leave before filing and resign if elected;
  • Municipal clerks, deputy clerks, treasurers, or deputy treasurers unless they take an unpaid leave before filing and resign if elected;
  • Judges;
  • Members of Provincial Parliament, Senators, or Members of Parliament; and
  • Individuals serving a sentence in a correctional institution.

What is the Time Commitment?

The term of office for school board trustees is four years (2026–2030).

Trustees typically:

  • Attend a regular board meeting per month during the school year;
  • Participate in committee meetings and community events;
  • Engage with students, families, staff, and community members; and
  • Take part in professional learning opportunities at the local and provincial levels.

While schedules may vary, trustees often dedicate approximately 8 hours per week to activities related to the role.

How Do I File a Nomination?

Nomination papers are available through your local municipal clerk's office or online through the Province of Ontario.

To file your nomination:

  • Complete the required nomination forms;
  • Submit the forms in person (or through an authorized agent);
  • Provide proof of identity and eligibility;
  • Pay the required nomination fee; and
  • File your nomination before the deadline.

Nomination forms cannot be submitted by fax, email, or mail.

Helpful Resources

Serving Students, Families, and Communities

School board trustees help shape the direction of public education while ensuring decisions remain focused on student achievement, well-being, inclusion, and opportunity for all learners.

Serving as a trustee is a meaningful opportunity to make a positive difference in schools and communities across the district.