What a Trustee Actually Does
When people hear the word "trustee," they sometimes picture someone who manages the schools. The real job is different. I represent the community, at the school board. I listen to residents, review policies, vote on budgets and take part in decisions about the board's priorities. I also help families understand who is responsible when a problem arises. Some days the work involves committee or Board meetings . Other days it is a phone call with a parent who needs support for their child. Both are part of the role. A trustee should bring the community into the boardroom and help make the board less confusing to the community.
What a Trustee Does Not Do
A trustee does not manage an individual school. The principal is responsible for the school. Superintendents, and other senior Board staff, led by the CEO (previously called the “Director”) oversee the daily operation of the system. This distinction matters, because people deserve an honest explanation of the role. I cannot walk into a school and order staff to make a particular decision. I can ask questions, review the policy, advocate to make changes to the policy, and represent my constituents by sharing their concerns with those who have the authority to address the issue and make positive changes. Sometimes strong leadership means taking action. Sometimes it means knowing exactly where your authority ends and refusing to make promises you cannot keep.
One Trustee Cannot Act Alone
One trustee cannot change board policy or make a board-wide decision independently. Trustees make those decisions together through consensus. A majority of the trustees must vote with you. My job is to effectively advocate for the change that I support.
Who Creates the Curriculum?
I often hear enquiries about what students are learning. Those concerns are important, but trustees do not write Ontario's curriculum. The Ministry of Education does. Teachers deliver it. School boards support its implementation and make decisions about programs and learning materials within provincial rules. As a trustee, I can ask how a curriculum decision is being handled, locally. I can raise concerns about resources and listen when families believe something needs closer attention. The fastest way to lose public trust is to claim authority you do not have. I would rather explain the responsibilities clearly and then work where I can make a real difference.
