1: Introduction

Did you know that when you vote in municipal elections every four years, you’re also voting for a school board trustee? Trustees are locally elected representatives responsible for shaping public education in your community. They are accountable to students, parents/caregivers and community members. In other words, they are elected to be accountable to you. There are also student trustees who are non-voting members of the trustee board elected by students, who you can reach out to if you would rather connect with a student leader. Student trustees represent all schools in your school board. 

School board trustees are responsible for setting the overall direction of the school board through policy development, strategic planning, and financial oversight. They:

• Set long-term goals for your school board (develop and monitor a multi-year strategic plan)

• Set policy direction for the board/create school board policies

• Serve on key committees and advisory groups with students, parents, and community members

• Decide how the school board spends money (the annual budget)

Trustees play a critical role in ensuring that community voices are reflected in the education system and that decisions are made transparently and equitably.

Schools and school boards can feel really complicated—there are a lot of people and roles, and it’s not always clear where to go when you need help. Your trustee can:

• Help you identify the right point of contact (teacher, principal, superintendent)

• Guide you through the board’s processes

• Connect you with specialized support services, including Human Rights Offices

• Refer you to community-based organizations who can advocate alongside you

• Help you figure out who to talk to about a concern

• Explain how school board processes work

• Connect you with the right people (teachers, principals, superintendents)

• Let you know about other supports like the board’s Human Rights Office

• Suggest local community groups who can help you advocate for yourself

From classroom issues to board-wide policy concerns, your trustee can help you understand the school board better and connect you with the right resources.

If you don’t feel supported by your trustee, you’re not out of options. You can:

• Contact the Chair or Vice Chair of the school board

• Reach out to another trustee—while trustees represent specific wards, they are elected to serve all students across the board

• Connect with community organizations who can help you navigate advocacy processes. See More to see what community organizations can help you, or connect directly with us through the contact page or at education@djno.ca. 

Some of the language used in this and upcoming videos may sound institutional or carceral in nature. That’s because much of it comes directly from Ontario’s Education Act, which can often use dehumanizing, legalistic language. It’s important to be familiar with this terminology so you know what to expect when navigating processes like suspensions or expulsions. However, if what you’re going through feels unjust or invalidating, please know that your experiences are real—and your feelings are valid. Understanding this language doesn’t mean accepting unfair treatment. It’s about being equipped to challenge it. Some of the terms used in this video and the next ones might sound cold or legal. That’s because they come straight from Ontario’s Education Act. We’re sharing that language so you know how the system talks—but that doesn’t mean your experience isn’t real or valid. If something feels unfair, you’re allowed to question it and ask for support. Knowing the system’s language helps you better challenge it.

We at DJNO believe you and know that your experience is real and valid.