1. Working with your Trustee
Janet McDougald and Suzanne Nurse

2. Trustees 101 12 trustees serve from Dec. 1, 2014 to Nov. 30, 2018
elected by public school taxpayers every four years during municipal elections
directly accountable to the community
Quick definition of a trustee, including how they are elected, who they represent and how long they represent for

3. Role of Trustee
advocate for community needs to other members of the board
help community members address concerns about the school system
set policies in curriculum, facilities, human and financial resources
explain policies and decisions of the board to the community
List roles of trustee (each bullet appears on click)

4. Role of Trustee
evaluate the board's achievement of its goals and objectives and monitor its implementation of new policies
participate in budget development, approve budget decisions and monitor its progress
protect the future of the board by always considering the long-term effects of decisions

5. Trustee role in school councils
provide advice on board policies or on drafting a recommendation for board consideration
support the work of school councils
act as a resource for council members
act as a liaison between the council and the board
act as a link between school councils and the community
help make community contacts
List role of trustee in school councils – each point appears on click

6. Working with your Trustee
Get connected
introduce yourself to your trustee by or phone
all contact information is posted at

7. Working with your Trustee
Share information
keep your trustee informed by sending meeting agendas and minutes
be sure to invite your trustee to events

8. Working with your Trustee
Trade knowledge
ask your trustee for:
any insights he or she has about the community
any particular concerns he or she may have heard from parents

9. Working with your Trustee
Stay informed
subscribe to board highlights at 
attend a board meeting to meet the board in person
view meeting agendas online in the Trustees section

10. What makes a school council meeting successful?
meeting has purpose and agenda
members participate actively
democratic process
What makes a school council meeting successful?
members are committed to decisions and actions
generation of creative, relevant ideas

11. Effective school council meetings
Listen and facilitate 
ensure all voices at the table are heard
don't allow one member to dominate the discussion
help the group to come to consensus on topics

12. Effective school council meetings
Provide focus
remind members the purpose of the council is to represent the entire school population, not personal interests
always consider the best interests of students and the school

13. Effective school council meetings
Stay positive
stay positive to keep the experience fun and productive
always look for solutions

14. Effective school council meetings
Be strong
it may be necessary to manage difficult situations
as a leader, you will need to speak on behalf of the group

15. Thank you. Any questions?