The 12 trustees of the York Region District School Board are responsible for overseeing a thriving and progressive educational system which serves over 117,000 students in nearly 200 schools. Trustees are elected by ratepayers (in accordance with the Municipal Elections Act) and empowered under the Education Act to set policy for the operation of all public schools in York Region.

Under the Education Act, trustees are mandated to;

• Promote student achievement and well-being;
• deliver effective and appropriate educational programs;
• develop, maintain and monitor effectiveness of Board policies;
• develop, communicate and review annually a Multi-Year Plan;
• monitor the performance of the Director of Education; and
• practice responsible stewardship of Board resources.

Elected for a four-year term, from December 1, 2010 to November 30, 2014, a trustee must be:

• a resident in the area of jurisdiction of the board;
• a Canadian citizen;
• at least 18 years old;
• eligible to be an elector of that school board for which the person is a candidate (e.g. if seeking office for a French-language separate school board, you must be a French-language separate school elector); and
• not disqualified by any legislation from holding office.

In accordance with Bill 78, "An Act to Amend the Education Act, the Ontario College of Teachers' Act and Certain Other Statutes related to Education" and Bill 16, “An Act to implement 2010 Budget measures and to enact or amend various Acts” trustee honoraria isset at $21,386.43 per annum, effective December 1, 2010. The Board Chair and Vice-Chair receive $31,386.43 and $26,386.43 per annum, respectively. Additional monies are allocated for reasonable expenses incurred during the trustee's term of office, as outlined in Board Policy #220.0, Trustee Services.

Trustee Responsibilities

A trustee’s responsibilities fall into several different areas; communicator with the public, policy maker and an advocate for quality education. Trustees also have personnel, budget allocation and committee responsibilities. They are accountable to all public school ratepayers in York Region.

Communicators with the Public

Trustees are accountable to the community for decisions made by the Board. They communicate with the public through organized and informal meetings with parent groups and concerned citizens, and also through the distribution of newsletters and other materials. Trustees field numerous inquiries and are available and accessible to address concerns from the community with respect to Board policies and procedures.

Policy Makers

Trustees have the ultimate responsibility for approving, reviewing and monitoring the effectiveness of the policies and by-laws which govern the Board’s entire operation. Policies are developed in conjunction with staff to address program, student, staff, property, Board and administration requirements. The Board is also active in many provincial educational associations, including the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association, and lobbies the Ministry of Education and other government bodies for changes to existing policies and legislation.

Advocates for Quality Education

The Board ensures that the quality of education in York Region is maintained through the development, review and evaluation of curriculum standards and testing instruments. The focus is on meeting the educational goals and needs of all students in a changing global environment. Instructional materials are written in accordance with guidelines established by the Ministry of Education.

Budget Responsibilities

Trustees must allocate budget funds provided by the provincial government in accordance with Ministry of Education legislation, regulations and guidelines. The budget provides for payment of all expenses incurred for school purposes including staffing, textbooks, curriculum materials, school buildings, property and equipment.

Personnel Responsibilities

One of the Board’s primary roles is that of employer for more than 11,000 employees. Trustees maintain responsibility for ensuring health and safety and employment equity standards in accordance with the current legislation. The Board also negotiates the collective agreements with federations and unions representing its various employee groups. Trustees approve recommendations with respect to the appointment of senior staff and supervisory officers and are responsible for the hiring and terms of employment for the Director of Education.

Committee Responsibilities

Trustees spend a considerable amount of time serving on Board Committees. In addition to the regular monthly Board Meeting, trustees are required to serve on the Board Standing Committee, which meets once each month as well as the Budget Committee which is scheduled as needed between February and June each year.

There are numerous other ad hoc committees as well as statutory committees on which trustees are required to serve. Meetings may take place during the day or evening and usually involve Board and other resource staff. Committees develop recommendations for the Board’s consideration with respect to personnel, budget allocation, as well as program and planning for the delivery of public education. For current information regarding public Board and committee meeting dates and times please contact Board and Trustee Services, extension 2327 or 2262.

The Role of Administration

Trustees entrust the day-to-day management of the Board to its staff through the Director of Education and his team of skilled professionals and support staff. The York Region District School Board is the largest employer in York Region and the fourth largest public school board in Ontario.

The Associate Director of Education, Schools and Human Resources and Associate Director of Education, Student Achievement and Well-being are responsible for the day-to-day operation of all schools. The review, development, implementation and coordination of curriculum are managed by the Associate Director of Education, Student Achievement and Well-being. Effective management of the Board's financial and business affairs is the responsibility of the Associate Director of Education, Business and Finance. The Associate Director of Education, School and Human Resources is responsible for the recruitment, development and training of personnel.

Contact Lisa Reinhardt, Assistant Manager, Board and Trustee Services at lisa.reinhardt@yrdsb.edu.on.ca or 905-727-0022 ext. 2217

 

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