Algoma School Board Keeps Trustees on Ballot Ahead of Election

Board moves forward with 10 elected trustees despite provincial talks of eliminating the role

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:07pm

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The Algoma District School Board has confirmed it will run with a slate of 10 elected trustees for the upcoming municipal election, even as the provincial government has discussed potentially eliminating the trustee system. The board's move comes despite Education Minister Paul Calandra's repeated statements that he is considering doing away with elected school trustees.

Why it matters

The role of elected school trustees has been a longstanding part of Ontario's education system, dating back to 1816. Trustees are meant to represent the unique needs of their local communities and provide a democratic voice for students, schools, and teachers. However, the province has recently taken control of several large school boards, raising questions about the future of the trustee model.

The details

At its latest board meeting, the Algoma District School Board approved the distribution of 10 elected trustees for the October 26 municipal election. This is the same number of trustees the board has had since 2006, despite the province's discussions about eliminating the role. Board chair Elaine Johnston said the board has to 'do its due diligence' in preparing for the election until they hear otherwise from the province.

  • The Algoma District School Board approved the 10 trustees at its board meeting on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
  • The upcoming municipal election in Ontario is scheduled for October 26, 2026.

The players

Algoma District School Board

The public school board serving the Algoma District region of northern Ontario, including the city of Sault Ste. Marie.

Elaine Johnston

The chair of the Algoma District School Board and a First Nation trustee.

Paul Calandra

The Ontario Minister of Education, who has repeatedly stated he is considering eliminating the role of elected school trustees.

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What they’re saying

“We need trustees for a democracy, to have a voice. Our area is pretty large geographically. We have a large region and we need the voices of the district as well as the city of Sault Ste. Marie represented.”

— Elaine Johnston, Chair, Algoma District School Board

What’s next

The Algoma District School Board will continue to prepare for the October 26 municipal election with 10 elected trustees, unless the provincial government makes any changes to the trustee system before then.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over the role of elected school trustees in Ontario's education system. While the Algoma board is moving forward with its trustee model, the province's potential elimination of the position could have significant implications for local democratic representation and community voices in education decisions.