Good Governance Award (Board of Trustees)

Purpose

The Good Governance Award recognizes a Board of Trustees (“Board”) (as a collective body) for demonstrating exemplary leadership, innovation, and integrity through governance practices, initiatives, or projects that have significantly impacted their school board and community. The award celebrates trustees who govern in ways that strongly reflect OPSBA’s mission, vision, values, and Multi-Year Strategic Priorities, contributing to the advancement of equitable, student-centered public education.

Criteria

• The initiative or project clearly aligns with two or more of OPSBA’s Multi-Year Strategic Priorities
• The Board has worked cohesively and strategically to implement effective governance practices, policy development, or decision-making
• Demonstrates transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership
• Clear evidence of the initiative’s positive impact on the school board, schools, students, staff, or the broader community
• Impact may be quantitative (e.g., improved outcomes, engagement metrics) or qualitative (e.g., increased trust, cultural shift)
• The project or governance practice reflects creative, future-focused thinking in addressing challenges or advancing priorities
• Demonstrates meaningful engagement with stakeholders including students, families, staff, Indigenous partners, and community organizations

Eligibility

• Boards of Trustees from English public school boards in Ontario
• Nominations may be submitted by the Board itself, a director of education, senior board staff, or OPSBA members
• All trustees on the Board must have completed the OESC Trustee Professional Development Program
• Initiatives must have been implemented or demonstrated meaningful progress within the last two school years
• Projects can range from policy development to public engagement, equity frameworks, sustainability actions, or student well-being strategies, etc.

Recipients

One (up to two runners-up will also be acknowledged)

Frequency

Annual