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Boards of education share a co-governance relationship with the provincial government through the Ministry of Education.
In BC, a Board of Education (elected trustees) governs a school district by setting local policy, approving budgets, employing staff, and ensuring quality education in accordance with provincial direction from the Ministry of Education.
Their key responsibilities include managing school property, developing educational programs, and focusing on student achievement, facilities, finance, and teaching performance, all while maintaining fiscal responsibility and accountability to the community.
School trustees are locally-elected members of their school district's board of education. They are representatives of the public and are the community’s advocates for public education. The next general election for school board trustees in School District 69 (Qualicum) will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, as part of the province-wide general local elections.
A trustee’s role is to maintain a focus on student achievement and well-being, and to participate in decision making that benefits the entire district while representing the interests of the entire electorate.
The British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA) has a more detailed, user-friendly breakdown, here.
Governance and policy-making
Set strategic direction: Trustees work together to establish the school district's overall strategic plan, policies, and annual budget based on community priorities and student needs.
Represent the community: As locally elected representatives, trustees serve as the voice of their community and are directly accountable to the public they serve. They are responsible for listening to students, parents, and community members.
Work as a corporate board: The School Act specifies that individual trustees have no authority on their own. Decisions are made collectively as a corporate board during public meetings. Once a decision is made, all trustees are expected to support it.
Accountability and oversight
Hire the Superintendent: The board of education hires and manages the superintendent, who serves as the chief executive officer responsible for administering the district and implementing the board's policies.
Manage resources: Trustees are accountable for the prudent management and control of the school district's resources, including budgets and property.
Report to the public: The board regularly reports back to the community on student achievement and district performance.
Oversight of staff: The board acts as the employer for all unionized and non-unionized staff within the district.
Collaboration and advocacy
Co-governance with the province: Boards of education operate in a co-governance partnership with the provincial government. Trustees work to advocate for the needs of their community within the provincial framework.
Work with partners: Trustees collaborate with various community partners, staff, and provincial organizations like the BC School Trustees Association (BCSTA) to improve educational outcomes.
Student-focused mandate
Prioritize student achievement: A trustee's primary mandate is to participate in policy-making and strategic planning that promotes student achievement and well-being.
Address local needs: Trustees ensure the local school system reflects the unique needs, priorities, and values of their community.
Trustees DO NOT:
handle the day-to-day administration of the school district, which is the responsibility of the superintendent and district staff.
have individual authority. Concerns or complaints from the public are referred to the appropriate staff members, not handled by individual trustees.
In British Columbia, the governance of school boards is a shared responsibility between the provincial Ministry of Education and Child Care and the 60 locally elected boards of education, with the specific structure and powers defined by the provincial School Act. This relationship is often described as a "co-governance model."
SD69 is a member of The British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA) — a non-profit organization that represents and supports the 60 elected public boards of education across the province. It serves as a unified provincial voice for public education, advocating for effective educational policies and assisting school boards with their governance responsibilities.
The Trustee Handbook - 2024-2025, highlights and supports the governance function of the Board of Education of the Qualicum School District.
Bylaws, Policies and Administrative Procedures set out the rules, guiding principles, and operational procedures for The Qualicum School District Board of Education.