2018 Elections Information

Trustees are empowered under the Education Act to set policy for the operation of all public schools under the Boards jurisdiction, and are an important link between the school system and the community.

Trustees are elected during municipal elections every four years and are directly accountable to the community.

The current trustees were elected to serve from Dec. 1, 2014, to Nov. 30, 2018. The next election is October 22, 2018. The new Board of Trustees will serve from Dec. 1, 2018 to Nov. 30, 2022.

Under the Education Act, trustees are mandated to:

• promote student achievement and well-being
• deliver effective and appropriate educational programs
• develop, maintain and monitor effectiveness of Board policies
• develop, communicate and review annually a Strategic Plan
• monitor the performance of the Director of Education
• practice responsible stewardship of Board resources

Important Dates and Timelines

• May 1, 2018 - Beginning of trustee nomination and campaign period
• July 27, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. - Nomination Day - Last Day to file or withdraw Nominations
• October 22, 2018 - Voting Day
• December 1, 2018 - Board of Trustees' Term of Office begins
• December 31, 2018 - Campaign period ends
• March 29, 2018 - Financial filing deadline for candidates

How to run for trustee

Trustee jurisdictions may cross municipal boundaries. Individuals interested in running for trustee should submit their nomination to the lead municipal office, which is the municipality with the higher population of electors.

The Trustee Distribution Areas were approved by the Board of Trustees on March 28, 2018.
2018 Trustee Distribution Map 

 Who cannot be a school trustee?

The following people are disqualified from being elected as a school trustee:

• any person who is not eligible to vote in the municipality
• an employee of a school board who has not taken an unpaid leave of absence and resigned
• municipal officials
• a judge of any court
• an MP, an MPP or a Senator
• an inmate serving a sentence in a penal or correctional institution

Additional links and information

​2018 Candidates' guide for Ontario municipal council and school board elections
Making a Difference for Kids: Running for Election as a School Board Trustee: Guide for Candidates and Communities
http://www.elections.ontarioschooltrustees.org