You may have heard recent discussion about the Province of Ontario reviewing school boards and the possible removal of elected school trustees. While no final decision has been made that impacts the Peel District School Board, these conversations have raised important questions for parents about who speaks for families in public education.
What’s Being Discussed
The Province is looking at how school boards are governed, including whether the role of trustees should be reduced or removed. These discussions are often about accountability, costs, and how decisions are made. If trustees were removed, more decisions could be made directly by the Province or senior administrators, with less local input.
What Does a School Trustee Do?
School trustees are elected during the municipal election (Mon Oct 26th). Their role is to represent local voices and help guide how schools are run. Trustees:
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Speak up for parents and students at school board meetings
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Set priorities and long-term plans for the school board
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Review and approve the budget, making sure funding supports students
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Create and update policies on safety, well-being, equity, and inclusion
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Hold school board leadership accountable
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Advocate to the Province for support for local schools
Why This Matters to Parents
School trustees are one of the few ways parents can have a direct, local voice in public education. They understand the needs of their communities and help ensure decisions are made with local input. Any changes to school governance should put students first and protect the ability of families to be heard.
