Toronto, September 14, 2026 – With students back in school, communities across Ontario are turning their attention to the upcoming municipal and school board elections.

There is a common misconception that school board trustee elections are characterized by widespread acclamations and vacancies. Preliminary figures from Ontario’s English public school boards tell a different story.

Following the close of nominations, the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) reviewed candidate information published by municipalities across the province. The preliminary results show:

• 673 candidates have put their names forward to serve as English public school board trustees, including 519 new candidates;
• 154 current trustees are seeking re-election;
• 84 trustee positions have been acclaimed.

The modest increase in acclamations comes during a period of significant change for the role of school board trustee. Even so, overall figures indicate many contested positions with several candidates and a continued interest in advocating for public education.

The candidate lists also point to a meaningful balance between experience and renewal. While 151 current trustees are seeking another term, 160 trustees were newly elected in 2022. The composition of boards could again shift significantly following this year’s election, bringing new perspectives and voices to board tables while retaining considerable governance experience.

“School board trustees have served Ontario communities since before Confederation because public education is simply too important to be governed at a distance,” said OPSBA President Kathleen Woodcock. “In some respects, recent legislative changes have brought the trustee role closer to that of a board director in other organizations. But trustees retain something fundamentally different: direct democratic accountability to the students, families and communities they serve. The fact that so many people are prepared to take on that responsibility tells us that local education governance continues to matter deeply to Ontarians. It’s clear that democracy is not outdated.”

Recent legislative changes, including those introduced through Bills 33 and 101, have altered the responsibilities and operating environment of school board trustees. Throughout that evolution, trustees continue to provide an essential connection between Ontario’s public education system and the province’s diverse communities. Despite the lack of certainty about the role in school boards currently under provincial supervision, interest in the position of Trustee remains high. For example, in Peel DSB, 55 candidates are currently running for 12 trustee positions, including eight incumbents. The Toronto DSB, also with 12 trustee positions, has 77 candidates,
with 10 incumbents seeking re-election.

Trustees establish the strategic direction of their school boards, oversee the effective use of public resources and help ensure that decisions reflect local priorities and support student achievement and well-being. They also bring the perspectives of students, families and communities into decisions affecting one of Ontario’s most important public services.

“Whatever changes the role may undergo, the enduring interest in serving demonstrates that Ontarians continue to believe in locally elected voices at the school board table,” added Woodcock. “OPSBA will continue to champion strong, effective and democratically accountable local education governance.”

Ontario’s municipal and school board elections will take place on Monday, October 26, 2026. Voters are encouraged to learn about their local candidates and make a plan to vote. Trustees are traditionally sworn in after the elections at the inaugural/organizational meeting, which shall occur no later than seven days after November 15, 2026. They will also elect their Chair and Vice-Chair at these meetings.

Note:

• Many boards have representation from First Nations. These trustees are selected by First Nations and are full members of the board with all the rights and obligations of other publicly elected trustees.
• Student trustees are elected by their peers to represent the voice of students at the board table. A school board must have at least two and not more than three student trustees. Some boards have also introduced the position of Indigenous student trustee.
• Trustees supporting the 10 school authorities and treatment centres in the province are appointed by the Minister of Education.

Figures above are based on OPSBA’s review of candidate information published by Ontario municipalities as of September 14 and may be updated if additional or corrected information becomes available.

About OPSBA

The Ontario Public School Boards’ Association represents English public district school boards and school authorities across Ontario. Together, our members serve students and communities throughout the province. OPSBA advocates for a strong and equitable publicly funded education system focused on student achievement, equity and well-being.

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For more information:

Shane Gonsalves
Managing Director, Government and Public Affairs
Ontario Public School Boards’ Association
sgonsalves@opsba.org

T.J. Goertz
Manager of Strategic Communications
Ontario Public School Boards’ Association
tgoertz@opsba.org