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Lloydminister Public School Division

780-875-5541 Fax: 780-875-7829

5017 46 Street
Lloydminster, Alberta T9V 1R4

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Policy 3

ROLE OF THE TRUSTEE

Trustees are elected in accordance with The Local Government Election Act of Saskatchewan and its Regulations.

The role of the trustee is to contribute to the Board as it carries out its mandate in order to achieve its Foundational Statements as defined by Board Policy 1. The Board believes that its ability to fulfill its obligations is enhanced when leadership and guidance are forthcoming from within its membership.

The Board is a corporation. The decisions of the Board in a properly constituted meeting are those of the corporation. A trustee who is given corporate authority to act on behalf of the Board may carry out duties individually but only as an agent of the Board. In such cases, the actions of the trustee are those of the Board, which is then responsible for them. A trustee acting individually has only the authority of any other citizen of the Division.

As a result of elections, the Board may experience changes in membership. To ensure continuity
and facilitate smooth transition from one Board to the next following an election, trustees must
be adequately briefed concerning existing Board policy and practice, statutory requirements,
initiatives and long-range plans.

Board Orientation

The Board believes an orientation program is necessary for effective trusteeship.

  1. The Division will offer a mandatory orientation program for all newly elected trustees that
    provides information on:
    1. Role of the trustee, the Board and the Director of Education;
    2. Organizational structures and procedures of the Division;
    3. Board policy, agendas and minutes;
    4. Existing Division initiatives, the strategic plan, annual reports, budgets, and financial statements;
    5. Division programs and services;
    6. Board’s function as an appeal body; and
    7. Statutory and regulatory requirements, including responsibilities with regard to conflict of
      interest.
  2. The Division will provide financial support for trustees to attend Saskatchewan School Boards Association or Alberta School Boards Association sponsored orientation seminars.
  3. The Governance Committee and Director of Education are responsible for developing and implementing the Division’s orientation program for newly elected trustees. The Director of Education shall ensure each trustee has access to the Board Policy Handbook and the

Administrative Procedures Manual at the organizational meeting following a general election or
at the first regular meeting of the Board following a by-election.
4. Incumbent trustees are encouraged to help newly elected trustees become informed about
relevant history, functions, policies, procedures and issues.

Specific Responsibilities of Individual Trustees

The Trustee shall:

  1. Become familiar with Division policies and procedures, meeting agendas, and reports in to participate in Board business.
  2. Refer governance queries, issues and problems not covered by Board policy to the Board for corporate discussion and decision.
  3. Refer administrative matters to the Director of Education. The trustee, upon receiving a complaint from a parent or community member about school operations, will refer the parent or community member back to the school and will inform the Director of Education of this action.
  4. Keep the Board and the Director of Education informed in a timely manner of all matters coming to his/her attention that might affect the Division.
  5. Provide the Director of Education with counsel and advice, giving the benefit of the trustee’s judgment, experience and familiarity with the community.
  6. Attend meetings of the Board; participate in and contribute to the decisions of the Board in order to provide the best possible educational experience for children within the Division. Refer to Board Policy 7 – Board Operations.
  7. Respect, support and accurately communicate the decisions of the Board and refrain from making any statements that may give the impression that such a statement reflects the corporate opinion of the Board when it does not.
  8. When delegated responsibility, will exercise such authority within the defined limits in a responsible and effective way.
  9. Participate in Board/trustee development sessions so that the quality of leadership and service in the Division can be enhanced.
  10. Share the materials and ideas gained from a trustee development activity with fellow trustees at the next available opportunity.
  11. Stay current with respect to provincial, national, and international educational issues and trends.
  12. Strive to develop a positive learning and working culture both within the Board and the Division.
  13. Attend significant Division or school functions when possible.
  14. Become familiar with, and adhere to, Policy 4 -Trustee Code of Ethics.
  15. Report any violation of the Trustee Code of Ethics to the Board during a closed session following the prescribed process for adding items to the agenda.
  16. A trustee who has been charged with a criminal offence shall, within forty-eight (48) hours, inform the Board Chair of the said charges in writing.

Legal Reference: Section 63, 85, 87 Education Act, School Division Administration Regulations
Adopted: June 2007
Reviewed: February 2025