Public expectations of school board trustees

Examining how Ontarians understand the role of school board trustees and what they expect from their elected representatives.

Anthony Piscitelli, Conestoga Social Innovation Lab

About the project

Building on previous research into how nonprofit boards represent the interests of their constituents, this study explored public expectations of school board trustees in Ontario. More than 2,500 Ontario residents, including parents of school-aged children, were surveyed about their understanding of trustees and the responsibilities they believe trustees should fulfil.

The challenge

School board trustees are elected to represent the public within Ontario’s education system, but their role may not be well understood by the people they serve. The research sought to identify how Ontarians perceive trustees and better understand the different expectations voters place on them.

Approach

• Surveyed more than 2,500 Ontario residents
• Included perspectives from parents of school-aged children
• Examined respondents’ understanding of the role of school board trustees
• Analyzed the responsibilities respondents associated with trustees
• Explored relationships between different public expectations of trustee representation

Results

• Found that many respondents did not clearly understand the role of school board trustees
• Identified three distinct roles respondents associated with trustees
• Found expectations that trustees represent the public and its interests
• Identified expectations related to supporting school board administration and ensuring educational outcomes
• Generated insights that can inform how trustees communicate and engage with their communities

Why it matters

• Improves understanding of public expectations for elected school board trustees
• Highlights opportunities to strengthen engagement between trustees and voters
• Supports clearer communication about trustee responsibilities
• Contributes to research on representation and governance
• Provides evidence that can help strengthen public participation in school board governance

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