Ontario reviews school board trustees’ role in landmark public consultation
The Minister of Education in Ontario has initiated a public consultation to potentially amend the role of school board trustees in the Education Act. The move comes after a resolution passed unanimously by the Board of Trustees, with the Chair of the Halton District School Board, Amy Collard, highlighting the dedication and passion of trustees in providing excellent public education.
The Minister's letter, copied to various stakeholders including MPPs, the Ontario Public School Boards' Association, and the presidents of provincial unions, emphasizes the role of trustees as liaisons between communities and the provincial government. They engage with stakeholders, support students and families, and have been serving communities since 1816, making it the longest-serving democratically elected position in Canada.
The letter invites the Ministry to collaborate with trustees to identify solutions to systemic issues and achieve province-wide consistency in education. Trustees are responsible for overseeing local school boards, implementing provincial curricula, and supporting the Ministry's consultation needs.
The public consultation, launched following a resolution passed by the Board of Trustees, aims to gather input before making changes to the Education Act regarding the role of trustees. The Chair of the Halton District School Board, Amy Collard, underscores the commitment of trustees in providing quality public education, highlighting their importance in the consultation process.
