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Trustees convening to decide on upholding the longest tenured democratically elected role in Canadian public schools.

Halton District School Board to convene for a Special meeting tonight, where a resolution will be presented, as indicated in the scheduled gathering on September 16th, 2025, in Burlington, ON.

Board of Public School Trustees convenes for a vote on preserving the oldest democratically elected...
Board of Public School Trustees convenes for a vote on preserving the oldest democratically elected position in Canada.

Trustees convening to decide on upholding the longest tenured democratically elected role in Canadian public schools.

In a move aimed at safeguarding a significant democratic position, Oakville Trustee Joanna Oliver will present a Motion during an upcoming meeting. The Motion, titled "Letter to the Premier of Ontario and the Minister of Education", underscores the importance of the democratically elected role of School Board Trustee.

The position, established in 1816 in Ontario and the longest standing democratically elected position in Canada, provides the framework for governance of school boards. Trustees are responsible for a variety of roles, including developing the Multi Year Strategic Plan and supporting its implementation, developing and monitoring policies, providing stewardship of school board financial and capital resources, overseeing the hiring and performance of the Director of Education, and representing the needs of the local community.

Trustees also consult with local stakeholders, serve on mandatory committees such as Special Education and Audit, and are tasked with ensuring student achievement and well-being. The mandate for this role is set out in the Ontario Education Act.

HDSB Trustees, including Oliver, are deeply concerned about the potential loss of this democratically elected position and its negative impact on students. Their concerns are not unique, and they invite the Minister to engage in broader consultation through OPSBA, their provincial association.

The HDSB Trustees' call for consultation highlights their commitment to upholding the democratic process and ensuring that the voice of the community remains integral to the governance of school boards. As Oliver prepares to present her Motion, the focus remains on preserving a vital link between the community and the education system.

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