Photo by B. Shakyaver
As the 2026 municipal election gets closer, voters will also be choosing school board trustees.
Michael Bannerman, chair of the Avon Maitland District School Board, says school board trustees play an important role in making sure local voices are heard in public education.
Trustees are elected by the public and help set the direction for the school board. They work on policies, finances and long-term plans, while also making sure the board stays focused on the needs of local communities.
Bannerman says the local part of the job is especially important because education can look different in rural communities compared with larger cities.
He says trustees can bring local concerns to the board, including issues such as transportation and winter weather. They can also help explain school board decisions to the public.
Bannerman is reminding voters that school board trustees are elected as part of the municipal election. He says everyone should pay attention to this part of the ballot, even if they do not have children in the school system.
He says public education affects the entire community because today’s students will become future workers, caregivers and community members.
For anyone thinking about running for trustee, Bannerman says it is important to understand that the role is not about focusing on one personal issue.
Trustees make decisions as a group, rather than having individual power. Bannerman says successful trustees need to be able to work with people who have different opinions and have a broad interest in public education.
The municipal election is set for October 26th.
