How Your School Board Works

Who Sits on the Board

YRDSB has 12 elected trustees, one for each area of York Region, plus an appointed Indigenous trustee. Three student trustees bring student voice to the board table. Trustees are elected for a four-year term. The current term runs from November 15, 2026 to November 14, 2030.

What the Board Does

• Sets policy for the operation of all public schools in York Region
• Sets the annual budget
• Sets the Multi-Year Strategic Plan that guides the system
• Hires and reviews the Chief Executive Officer
• Advocates for quality public education and communicates with the public

Staff, led by the Chief Executive Officer, run schools day to day. Source: YRDSB, Trustee Roles and Responsibilities.

What a Trustee Can and Can't Do

I can raise issues, ask questions, bring motions and vote. I can bring your concerns to the right people. I can't overrule a principal, change a teacher's assignment, or decide an individual student's case. The board acts as a whole, not through individual trustees.

For a concern about your child, the quickest path is usually the teacher, then the principal, then the school superintendent. See who to contact first.

Attend or Watch a Meeting

Board and committee meetings are open to the public, except for confidential matters discussed in closed session. Dates and agendas are posted by YRDSB.

YRDSB committee meeting dates

Have Your Say

Members of the public can ask to speak to the board as a delegation, usually by registering ahead of the meeting. Advisory committees also give families a voice, including the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) and the Parent Involvement Committee.

YRDSB public participation and delegations

Trustee Conduct

Trustees follow the YRDSB Trustee Code of Conduct. Questions about trustee conduct go to the board's Integrity Commissioner.

Bylaws and Trustee Code of Conduct · Integrity Commissioner · Trustee Directory