Residents considering a run for local school board in the 2026 municipal elections will have an opportunity to learn more through upcoming virtual information sessions hosted by the Manitoba School Boards Association.
The free webinars are designed to help prospective candidates better understand the role of a school trustee and Manitoba’s public education system ahead of next year’s elections.
Topics will include trustee responsibilities, campaigning, governance, the structure of Manitoba’s education system and a question-and-answer session.
The sessions will take place Wednesday, May 27 and Monday, June 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. No registration is required.
Alan Campbell, past-president of the Manitoba School Boards Association and president of the Canadian School Boards Association, said school trustees play an important role in representing community voices within public education and encouraged residents to consider serving in the role.
“School board trusteeship is something I would strongly encourage for anyone who wants to give back to their community in a meaningful and rewarding way,” said Campbell.
Campbell said school boards are an important part of the democratic foundation of communities and should reflect a broad range of perspectives.
“Parents of current and former students, people who don’t have children, members of the business community, those who are retired or perhaps just starting in their career, members of IBPOC communities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ all have valuable perspectives to offer,” he said.
He noted that trustees serve in a governance role rather than an operational one, working with senior administration to help guide division priorities and decision-making through board policy.
“The most important annual policy statement by the local school board comes in the passage of the annual budget,” Campbell said. “Trustees must come prepared to consider student, staff, PAC, community and other stakeholder feedback in the preparation of the budget.”
Campbell added that local school boards play a key role in maintaining accountability within Manitoba’s public education system.
“Public schools provide a vital function in the current and future success and sustainability of our society and therefore are not only worthy of but reliant on investment by everyone — not just those with kids in school,” he said.
He also stressed that school boards function best when trustees work collaboratively and respectfully.
“Individual agendas are only as strong as the votes around the table,” Campbell said. “The division will be guided by the majority will of the board of trustees and not by the priorities of individual trustees.”
Campbell noted that school boards in Manitoba are non-partisan and focused on supporting students, staff and families regardless of the provincial government of the day.
He added that those considering trusteeship should understand the time commitment involved, including evening meetings and occasional daytime responsibilities.
“Effective trusteeship takes time,” he said. “Those considering the role must be willing to give up several evenings per month.”
School trustees in Manitoba are elected to four-year terms during municipal elections. Trustees receive an honorarium for their service, with amounts varying between school divisions based on board policies and responsibilities.
The next Manitoba school trustee elections are scheduled for Oct. 28, 2026.
More information is available at elect2026.ca
