If You Live in Ancaster, Binbrook, Glanbrook or Mount Hope, Here's Why Your School Trustee Vote Matters

On October 26, 2026, residents across Hamilton will head to the polls to elect representatives who will serve our community for the next four years.

On your ballot, you'll vote for:

• Mayor of Hamilton

• Your Ward Councillor (either Ward 11 or 12)

• Your Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Trustee

Most people have a good idea of what a Mayor does. Most understand that a Ward Councillor represents their neighbourhood at City Hall.

But many ask me the same question:

"What exactly does a School Trustee do?"

It's an important question because your School Trustee is the only elected representative whose sole responsibility is public education.

What Does a School Trustee Actually Do?

A School Trustee isn't responsible for running schools day-to-day. That's the role of the Director (now CEO) of Education, principals and board staff.

Instead, Trustees are responsible for governing the school board.

That includes:

• Setting the board's strategic direction.

• Approving multi-million-dollar operating budgets.

• Hiring, evaluating and holding the Directors/CEO accountable.

• Creating and approving board policies.

• Representing parents, students and communities at the board table.

• Ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of students across the system.

• Providing oversight and public accountability on behalf of taxpayers.

A good trustee listens to families, asks difficult questions, reviews reports carefully and ensures public concerns are heard before important decisions are made.

Why This Election Matters Even More

The role of School Trustee is changing.

Over the past two years, the Ontario government has taken unprecedented steps to increase provincial oversight of school boards.

Several boards across Ontario have had their elected Trustees removed from decision making after the Province appointed supervisors to take control of governance and finances. In those situations, the supervisor assumes the powers of the elected board until the Province decides local governance should resume.

At the same time, the Province has introduced legislation that would significantly change school board governance, redefine trustee responsibilities and increase accountability measures for boards across Ontario.

What Could This Mean for Hamilton?

At the time of writing, the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board has not been placed under provincial supervision.

However, the changes taking place across Ontario demonstrate that the relationship between local school boards and the Province is evolving.

That means School Trustees will continue to play an important role in:

• advocating for local students,

• representing community voices,

• providing transparent oversight,

• and ensuring local priorities are heard while operating within provincial legislation.

As the role evolves, it's more important than ever that Trustees understand governance, ask informed questions and remain connected to the communities they represent.

My Vision as a School Trustee

If I'm fortunate enough to earn your trust this October, I want to bring a community-focused approach to the role of School Trustee.

A trustee's responsibility doesn't begin when a Board meeting starts, and it shouldn't end when the meeting adjourns.

Our students don't stop being students when they leave the classroom. They become hockey players, dancers, musicians, actors, Scouts, Cadets, volunteers, teammates and neighbours. They grow through community just as much as they do through school.

That's why I believe a trustee's role shouldn't be limited to attending Board meetings or school events. It should extend into the communities we serve.

I want to be the trustee families recognize not only from the Board meetings, but from the sidelines of hockey tournaments, basketball games, soccer fields, school plays, community festivals, graduation ceremonies and local events.

Because that's where our students are.

When students see their trustee celebrating their successes outside the classroom, it reminds them that their community believes in them. Not just as learners, but as people.

Relationships Matter

Over the past seven years, I've worked with schools throughout Wards 11 and 12 as a parent, School Council participant, community advocate and business owner. Through my own children's educational journey, and through supporting family and friends with theirs, I've had the opportunity to work alongside many schools across our communities.

During that time, I've met incredible educators and dedicated school staff who care deeply about students.

But I've also seen something else.

I've seen a disconnect.

A disconnect between families and schools.

Between communities and the Board.

Between the people who elect trustees and the trustees themselves.

I don't believe that disconnect exists because people don't care.

I believe it exists because relationships require presence.

And presence can't be built from behind a boardroom table alone.

Community Comes First

One of my earliest examples of public service came from watching my father serve as a School Trustee.

He wasn't only present at Board meetings.

He stood on the sidelines of hockey tournaments.

He attended basketball games.

He celebrated every graduation ceremony, whether standing on stage or proudly sitting in the front row.

He showed up.

Students knew who he was.

Parents knew who he was.

Teachers knew who he was.

Not because he was campaigning.

Because he genuinely cared about the students and families he represented.

That example has stayed with me.

It's exactly the kind of trustee we need, and the kind of trustee I hope to be.

That's Already Who I Am

Whether I'm elected or not, you'll continue to find me where our community gathers.

I'm the parent cheering for every child on the field.

The one who learns children's names.

The volunteer laughing with students on field trips.

The parent applauding every performance at the talent show.

The person who stops to say hello when I see families around town.

Not because it's politically advantageous.

Because I genuinely care about people.

Those small moments build trust.

They build relationships.

And ultimately, they help build stronger schools.

If You Contact Me, You'll Hear From Me

One commitment I can make today is simple. If you contact me, I will respond.

Whether it's a question, an idea, a concern or a celebration, every parent, student and community member deserves to know they've been heard.

My commitment is that I will personally acknowledge every email or message within 72 hours, even if I don't yet have all the answers.

Some issues take time to investigate. Acknowledging someone has been heard shouldn't. People should never feel like they've been forgotten. Especially when it comes to their children and their education.

Who Does a Trustee Work For?

A School Trustee is elected by the community. That means our first responsibility is to listen to the students, families and taxpayers who place their trust in us. We also have a legal responsibility to govern in the best interests of the entire school system.

Sometimes those responsibilities require difficult decisions.

Sometimes the answer won't be the one someone hoped for.

But every family deserves to be heard and treated with respect.

Every question deserves a response even when the answer isn't easy, communication should never stop.

That's the standard I will hold myself to.

An Informed Vote Matters

School Trustees don't often make headlines.

Most of their work happens in Board meetings, committee meetings, budget discussions and conversations with parents. Yet the decisions they make influence everything from student supports and school policies to long-term planning and financial priorities.

Whether you have children currently attending school, grandchildren in the system, live near a school, or simply care about the future of public education, your School Trustee vote helps shape the direction of our local education system for the next four years.

This October, I encourage you to take the time to learn about every candidate. Ask questions. Read their platforms. Understand what School Trustees are responsible for, how the role is changing, and what qualities matter most to you.

For me, being a School Trustee is about more than governance.

It's about being visible.

Being approachable.

Most importantly, it's about building relationships between our schools, our families and our communities. Because when students, families, educators and communities work together, everyone succeeds. That's the kind of partnership I want to help build.

If you're looking for a trustee who is visible only during election season, I'm probably not the right choice. If you're looking for someone who will answer your emails, attend community events, celebrate student achievements, and remain accessible long after Election Day, that's exactly the kind of trustee I hope to be.

-Melissa Baxter