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Election 2010
The Bluewater board, like every public school board in Ontario, is governed by a Board of Trustees. In Bluewater there are 9 positions elected by public school taxpayers and 2 appointed positions. Trustees are responsible for overseeing an educational system that serves over 18,000 students in 51 schools. They work collaboratively with the administration and staff to ensure all students in Bluewater receive a quality education.
Trustees are directly accountable to their community and provide an important link between the electorate and the school system. A significant amount of time is required to fulfil the role of trustee. In addition to attending regular board meetings, trustees serve on board committees, attend school community council meetings and respond to concerns within the community. Extensive reading is required, a good knowlege of the educational system is helpful and computer skills are necessary. Click here for the Role Description of the
Board.
Bluewater District School Board supports student learning based on its Foundations for Learning, which was developed by students, staff, parents, community members and trustees.
On October 25, 2010, trustees will be elected to a four year term, from December 1, 2010 to November 30, 2014. Trustees are elected in accordance with the Education Act at each municipal election, by the electoral group the board represents. In the case of Bluewater District School Board, the electoral group is made up of the public school tax supporters residing in the Bluewater region. The Education Act defines, by formula, the maximum number of trustees to be elected in each particular
jurisdiction. The Education Act establishes how much trustees are paid. Here is an information guide for trustee candidates and communities.
Individuals interested in becoming a trustee should contact their Municipal Clerk's Office: Township of Southgate, Municipality of Grey Highlands, Municipality of West Grey, Town of Hanover, Municipality of Meaford, The Blue Mountains, City of Owen Sound, Municipality of Kincardine, Township of Huron-Kinloss, Town of Saugeen Shores, Municipality of Arran-Elderslie, Township of Georgian Bluffs, Township of Chatsworth, Town of South Bruce Peninsula, Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula, Municipality of Brockton and Municipality of South Bruce.
2010 Municipal Election Compliance Audit Committee
Trustee Responsibilities
Each trustee is accountable, through applicable legislation and adopted policies, to; their constituents, the Bluewater District School Board, the Province of Ontario. Their responsibilities fall into several different areas:
Evaluation
Trustees are responsible:
-to evaluate and review, on a regular basis, the board's achievement of its goals, objectives and strategic plan
-to ensure that the board is responsibly meeting its legal and financial requirements and obligations
-to monitor the implementation of board directives
-to monitor the activities of the board, including the review of reports and positions taken at board and committee meetings
Public Relations
Trustees are responsible:
-to represent and actively promote the Bluewaterboard in their ward(s)
-to work in partnership with school councils
-to support and encourage public education
Human Resources
Trustees are responsible:
-to establish the policies that govern the administration of personnel
-to appoint senior administration and other staff as identified in the Education Act
-to evaluate the performance of senior management of the board
-to support and provide opportunities for the orientation, training and development of all board employees, including trustees
-to bargain in good faith with all employee groups
Trustees must ensure that the board's employment practices conform to employment standards and all other employment-related laws, such as employment equity, pay equity and health and safety legislation. The board provides safe environments free from any form of racism or discrimination for its employees.
Policy Development and Administration
Policy is the framework that governs the administration and operation of the board.
By the act of approving a policy, the board assumes full political, financial and legal responsibility for it.
Bylaws are the set of rules that govern the process of board meetings and the board's affairs.
Trustees are responsible:
-to ensure that the board's bylaws and policies are current and that all parties operate within them
-to set and evaluate policy for the board and to ensure that it is implemented
-to ensure that the board's purpose, governing principles, function and activities are being pursued in a responsible manner with the utmost integrity
Finances
The board of trustees are responsible:
-to participate in the annual budget development process
-to approve the board budget and to monitor its progress
-to demonstrate fiscal accountability
-to ensure the allocation of resources to support the board's policies and programs
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